This is Anne – a stroke patient whom you have helped previously through your donations. Earlier, Ray of Hope raised S$1,200 for Anne who suffered from stroke last March. The illness caught her off guard when it occurred while she was travelling for a mission trip. Since the onset of her stroke, Anne became caught in straitened circumstances when she could not continue working to support herself financially.

When the case workers met Anne for her last cheque disbursement recently, the 63-year-old recalled how her work as a graphic designer gave her a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment before her stroke. Anne told us that the past year has not been easy for her as she was constantly struggling with her housing loan repayment as well as her living arrears. Anne also shared with us that she has stopped attending physiotherapy sessions at the hospital since she could no longer afford to attend due to the increased transport costs. However, Anne believes that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Even with her financial constraints, Anne is determined to get well so that her life can get better through exercising on her own. Her efforts have been proven to be worthwhile as her mobility has improved and she is now able to move around more easily without aid.

Although the road to making a complete recovery may seem daunting to some, Anne believes that she is able to be well again, through the support of her siblings and friends around her. Anne told us that she is often reminded of the helpless times that she has been through that could have left her dejected and how stroke has turned her life around completely, but she is positive about overcoming her obstacles to emerge stronger than before. Anne now devotes her time to helping an overseas orphanage with website and graphic designing work – a part of her that she often speaks very passionately about.

Quoting Anne, “I have never lost sight of my vision of empowering someone underprivileged and helping them be better than they were yesterday.”

Financial Breakdown

Ray of Hope would like to support Anne during her recovery period by raising $1,500 ($300 x 5 months) for her living expenses.

*Anne does not qualify for SSO assistance due to her room rental income which is currently being used for her housing loan repayment.