A Family Navigating Health and Caregiving

Alice and Alex live in a small 2-room rental flat with their two daughters, Celene (9) and Isra (6). Celene attends primary school, while Isra, who is autistic and non-verbal, attends an Early Intervention Programme. Their daily life revolves around therapy appointments, caregiving, and work taken on whenever circumstances allow.

Alice has been managing multiple mental health conditions for many years, including OCD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. She remains under regular medical care and has been certified medically unfit for employment until November 2026. During severe episodes, she experiences intense anxiety, confusion, and prolonged drowsiness caused by medication, sometimes sleeping for extended periods without realising time has passed.

During these periods, Alex becomes the sole caregiver for both Alice and their daughters. For this family, stability means having enough support to navigate the days when health must come before everything else.

Finding Strength in Small Steps Forward

Despite her medical limitations, Alice continues trying to regain a sense of independence. Since her last campaign with Ray of Hope, she has taken on home-based baking work, earning about $180 weekly.

“ I don’t earn a lot, but my mind feels better when I’m baking,” Alice shares.

Even on difficult days, she pushes herself to fulfil orders. When food is limited, she and Alex quietly sacrifice for their children. “If we have one chicken in the fridge, I will give it to my daughters and we will eat maggi,” she says.

Alex works ad hoc in the events industry, assisting with event set-up and tear-down. His income is irregular and sometimes limited to one assignment every two weeks. His caregiving responsibilities further restrict his availability, particularly when Alice’s health deteriorates.

Still, they continue holding on. Alice hopes to one day grow her home-based business into something sustainable. “I hope to scale my business, but I need to have my day-to-day things settled first.”

Why Support Is Urgently Needed Now

The family faces the difficult balance of unstable income and high caregiving demands. When Alex stays home to care for Alice and the children, the household loses income. When Alice pushes herself beyond her limits, it risks worsening her condition and delaying recovery.

Currently, the family relies largely on Alice’s baking income, despite her being medically unfit for employment. Without timely support, they remain vulnerable to rent arrears, food insecurity, and increased strain on Alice’s health.

“Every day I worry about what we will eat tomorrow,” Alice shares.

How can you support?

Ray of Hope is raising funds to support the family’s basic living expenses for five months, from February to June 2026. The funds will help cover:

1. Rental arrears of $966 to maintain stable housing
2. Daily household necessities and food ($350 per month)

This support will give Alice time to stabilise her health, allow Alex to continue caregiving without constant financial anxiety, and provide the family space to reassess longer-term arrangements after Alice’s next medical review in February.

Alice continues doing everything she can to hold her family together, attending treatment, baking through difficult days, and caring for her children. Alex stands beside her, quietly supporting the family whenever her health falters.

With community support, this family can focus on recovery, caring for one another, and working towards steadier days ahead.

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.