Honoring Arlene’s Memory: Approaching Campaign Closure

Dear donors, as we prepare for the campaign’s closure on 28 February 2025, we are moving this update to the main story to ensure all donors are informed about Arlene’s passing in September 2024.

Arlene’s employer, Manish, graciously arranged for her burial and repatriation back home. As the sole breadwinner for her family, Arlene’s absence has left her loved ones without the means to cover her treatment arrears. Your continued generosity will provide much-needed relief, allowing Manish and Arlene’s family the space to grieve and focus on finding an alternative source of income.

Thank you for your kindness and support as we honor Arlene’s memory and work toward closing this campaign.

Arlene, a Foreign Domestic Worker, has been an essential part of Manish’s household in Singapore for more than five years. She is currently fighting for her life in the ICU. She urgently requires our support to continue receiving life-saving medical treatment.

From Persistent Cough to ICU 

Arlene began experiencing a persistent cough on August 12th, which progressed to severe breathing difficulties by August 15th. Upon visiting a General Practitioner clinic, she was immediately referred to the hospital for emergency care. Doctors diagnosed Arlene with a thyroid storm and bilateral strokes, leaving her on a ventilator, unable to move or speak.

As the sole breadwinner for her family in the Philippines, which includes an elderly mother and a younger brother still in school, Arlene’s sudden medical emergency has left them in a precarious financial situation. Her hospital bills have quickly accumulated, with arrears reaching $97,666.09 after just 18 days in the ICU. After insurance coverage, the family is still left with a hefty bill of $64,242.73 that increases by up to $5,000 every day she remains in the ICU.

As doctors continue to investigate the underlying cause of her condition and administer necessary treatments, the medical costs are expected to rise further.

Supporting Arlene and Her Family

Your contribution will help ensure Arlene receives the critical medical care she needs while providing essential support for her dependent family members during this difficult period. 

Ray of Hope aims to raise $71,442.73* to cover Arlene’s current medical bills and provide 12 months of lost wages to support her family. Manish, who shares a close bond with Arlene, has already made significant payments to the hospital to begin life-saving measures. However, he is unable to sustain Arlene’s high medical costs incurred both through medical procedures and convalescing in the Intensive Care Unit.

Help alleviate the substantial financial burden on Manish and Arlene’s family, and enable her to continue receiving the life-saving treatment she needs. Your support, regardless of the amount, will make a significant difference in providing Arlene with the medical care she requires to recover and hopefully return to the Philippines and once again take up the role as her family’s primary provider in time to come. 

* The fundraising target is subject to change based on potential further treatments and the duration of Arlene’s stay in the hospital. 

Manish’s Appeal: Help Us Support Our Beloved Helper in Her Time of Need

We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and an urgent request for help. Our dear helper, who has been an integral part of our family for the past five years, is facing a life-threatening medical crisis. She recently suffered a severe thyroid storm that led to multiple brain strokes, and she is now in critical condition, fighting for her life.

Her family is far away in the Philippines, and her elderly mother, who is financially dependent on her, is unable to visit or support her during this incredibly challenging time. As her employers and surrogate family here, we are doing everything we can to support her, visiting her daily and praying for her recovery.

Unfortunately, the medical bills have already surpassed SGD 64,000, and we struggle to cover these overwhelming expenses. Despite our best efforts, we simply cannot afford the mounting costs on our own.

We are humbly asking for your support to help us raise the funds needed to ensure she receives the best possible care. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference and be deeply appreciated.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Together, we can help her get through this and return to her family who needs her.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

With gratitude,

Manish