For years, Shaik and Ira have been juggling instability: from poor health and caregiving to financial strain. In December 2024, after years of financial strain, the family finally exited the Pay-As-You-Use (PAYU) scheme — a pre-paid electricity system for households who’ve had their utilities disconnected due to unpaid bills. 

It happened because Shaik was starting to find his footing again as a private hire driver. For the first time in a long while, things were looking up. They could use electricity like other families without worrying about topping up the meter every few days.

They were starting to believe things might get better. That they could begin saving. That they could give their four children, and one baby on the way,  a more stable future.

A Father Trying to Do the Right Thing

In June 2024, Shaik made a bold move. He rented a car to become a private hire driver, thinking it would allow him to support the family while caring for their children, including school drop-offs and hospital visits for Ira, who was pregnant.

It made sense. One of their sons is on the autism spectrum and requires full-time supervision. Ira is due to give birth in May 2025. Driving gave him flexibility and hope.

But Shaik lives with chronic abscess disease and diabetes. Every few months, the abscesses return — and recovery can take up to two months. More than once, employers have let him go during his medical leave.

He’s picked up short-term jobs where possible, and Ira continues to help with parcel fulfilment from home. But their income is inconsistent, and it’s not enough to manage household needs and the weight of unexpected debts.

Despite the pain, he often refuses surgery, afraid that taking time off will cost him work.

“I don’t want to be useless,” he once told Ira. “As long as I can still stand, I will.”

September 2024: The abscesses flared again and was on MC till November 2024. He was forced to return the car early. The rental company is now withholding his deposit and demanding $3,120 in unpaid rent and penalties. If he cannot settle the amount, Shaik could be sued for $29,970. A devastating blow for a family already stretched thin.

Debt He Didn’t Deserve

At the same time, Shaik is also facing $2,400 in LTA summons. 

While working for a coach bus company, Shaik was instructed to park the heavy vehicle in an industrial lot. His employer refused to buy the season parking permit, despite repeated requests. Because the vehicle was registered under Shaik’s name, the summons were issued to him.

Shaik tried mediation. His former employer didn’t show up. Now he’s facing a court date on 10 May 2025 . If he can’t make a partial payment of $500, Shaik may be incarcerated for up to two weeks, right when Ira is expected to give birth.

“Before I die, I want to buy you a house,” he once told her.

“If I think about my illness too much, I won’t be able to push myself.”

A Family Holding On With Nothing Left

Their five children are trying to help, in their own quiet ways. Their 13-year-old son helps Ira release parcels to buyers. Their daughter draws in her notebooks and dreams of illustrating books one day.

But hope has started to wear thin.

“The kids ask, ‘Abah, when are we going to move? Everyone else is getting their flats. What about us?’” Ira says.

She reminds Shaik often: “It’s okay to have health problems. I knew you had them. But I still chose to marry you.”

This is a family that holds on  to love, to faith, and to each other. But right now, they need help to get through this storm.

What We’re Raising: $4,920

We’re raising $4,920 to give Shaik and Ira breathing space while they regroup:

• – $3,120 to settle the vehicle rental arrears and prevent legal action
• – $1,200 to partially clear LTA summons and reduce the risk of incarceration
• – $600 in grocery vouchers to support the family for the next three months ($200/month)

Why Your Support Matters

This isn’t just about bills. It’s about giving a father the chance to return to work  and a mother the space to prepare for birth without fear.

Please give what you can. Your donation can help this family move from crisis to stability, and give them a real chance to rebuild.