A Mother’s Sacrifice: “It’s OK, Mummy, I Understand”

For Mira, a mother of four young children, providing for her family often feels overwhelming. Her 10-year-old son, Imran, shows wisdom beyond his years, comforting her with words no child should have to say: “It’s okay, Mommy, I understand.” He has grown up seeing the struggles at home, where meals are often just rice and instant noodles, and meat is a rare treat. Despite it all, he deeply loves his mother, even writing her a heartfelt letter to encourage her.

Imran, though only in Primary 4, takes on many responsibilities at home. He reminds his younger sisters to think twice before asking for things, saying, “You all don’t keep asking to buy things lah. You think Mummy and Daddy got a lot of money, is it?” Mira, hearing this, feels the weight he carries at such a young age. Often, their playtime is spent on public playgrounds.

A Family in Crisis: Battling Health, Financial Setbacks, and Unseen Struggles

After eight years of stable employment, Mira resigned in September 2024 to care for her three children, who frequently suffer from severe respiratory problems requiring ICU stays. Imran himself has chronic sleep apnea and is scheduled for surgery in January 2025. Since the last time that Mira received support from the community (https://rayofhope.sg/campaign/mira/), Mira has tried to rebuild through a small online thrifting business, account issues have temporarily stalled her efforts.

Her husband, Faris, works tirelessly as a pest control technician, doing everything he can for the family. However, his income alone barely covers their growing expenses.

In 2023, the family hired a helper, confident in their ability to afford it as a two-income household. The helper’s primary role was to support Mira, enabling her to work full-time. Unfortunately, her children’s complex health needs demanded so much of her attention that even with additional support, she had to take frequent leave. This eventually led to her job termination.

With the helper’s contract nearing its end, the family has decided not to renew it as part of their effort to cut costs. However, they still need assistance covering the helper’s final two months of salary.

How You Can Help: Giving a Mother the Time to Rebuild

Mira is seeking support to stabilise her family during this critical period. Ray of Hope aims to raise $3,415 to provide:

• $2,115:  3 months of living expenses, so she can focus on feeding her children and rebuilding her income.
• $1,300: Cover her helper’s final 2 months of salary, ensuring she can manage her household while preparing to transition after her helper departs.

Your contributions will give Mira the breathing room to care for her children and rebuild her life. Together, we can bring hope to a mother and her family during one of their darkest hours.