Background

Mdm Joyce*, 50 years old, is a single mother to two daughters who are 13 and 19 years old. Her youngest daughter, Melissa*, is intellectually disabled and has severe ADHD. Melissa is not independent and depends on her mother for her day to day living. Melissa attends a special needs school in the afternoon and in the morning her mother cares for her. Her eldest daughter is currently studying in a university and works part time in order to supplement her pocket money and transportation expenses.

The Struggle

Mdm Joyce is unable to work full time as she is the main caregiver of her special need’s daughter. She works part time as a teaching assistant at a Kindergarten. She works in the afternoon for 5 hours after sending Melissa to school and after work, rushes to pick Melissa up. She earns S$600 a month and struggles to support her two daughters with her income.

Mdm Joyce informs us that following her divorce from her husband, for the past two years, he has rarely seen his two daughters. While he gives monthly maintenance, the amount is inconsistent, and it is insufficient.

Caring for a special need’s daughter without much support has taken a toll on Mdm Joyce’s health. Two weeks back, she experienced persistent pain on her chest. She deferred seeking medical treatment as she had to care for her daughter Melissa. It was only 5 days later when the pain worsen that she finally sought treatment. The doctors were unable to determine the cause of the chest pain and she has been referred to the National Heart Centre for further checks.

Help Needed- Give Hope

Ray of Hope would like to raise S$1,500 (S$250 x 6 months) to defer the family’s living expenses for 6 months. Please help Mdm Joyce as Melissa’s condition is lifelong and she is unable to work fulltime due to caregiving duties to her special need’s daughter!

* Names have been changed to protect the identity of Melissa as she is special needs.

* Mdm Joyce is not receiving government financial assistance