A New Year, A Heartbreaking Diagnosis

The start of 2025 should have been a time of new beginnings. Instead, Shafiqul received the worst news of his life—Stage 4 colon cancer.

What began as mild discomfort in July 2024 turned into something far more serious. Despite eating healthier and exercising, the pain worsened. He sought medical help twice between September and November, but nothing could have prepared him for the diagnosis on January 5.

Emergency Surgery and an Uncertain Future

By January 7, he was admitted to Singapore General Hospital. Four days later, he underwent emergency surgery for a colostomy. After 11 days in the hospital, he was discharged. Not to resume his job, but to face the reality that he would never work again.

The cancer has already spread throughout his body, including his lungs. At this point in his journey, either chemotherapy works, or it doesn’t. His doctors have recommended palliative care—a stark reality that no one should have to face alone.

He Helped Build Singapore, But Now He Can’t Provide for His Own Family

For the past two years, Shafiqul poured his sweat and strength into Singapore’s infrastructure—working on Tanglin MRT station, structures outside Somerset MRT, and a marine jetty.

His hands have shaped parts of this city. But now, those same hands can no longer provide for his family in Bangladesh.

His plan was simple: work in Singapore for 20 years, build a home for his family, and invest in farmland so they could farm together. Instead, his time in Singapore has been cut short.

A Father Who Has Never Met His Son

His deepest heartbreak? He has never met his child. His wife gave birth while he was away, working tirelessly to secure their future. Now, instead of going home to be with his baby boy and create memories together, he is returning to say goodbye.

“I want to recover and become functional again. I have to live with the colostomy bag, and I can’t do manual labor anymore, but I still hope to work one day.”

His Final Wish: Security for his family

Even though he’s returning home with a bleak prognosis, Shafiqul’s only concern is his family.

Shafiqul comes from a large household of eight. With Shafiqul’s terminal cancer, he will no longer be able to fulfill his role as the main breadwinner.

Beyond the emotional weight of leaving his loved ones behind, he now faces competing medical needs—balancing his own treatment while ensuring his family does not fall into hardship.

Without an income, his wife and baby face an uncertain future. Shafiqul had hoped to provide for them with his own hard work. Now, he hopes that others will help ensure they don’t fall into hardship when he’s gone.

How You Can Help

Ray of Hope seeks to raise $28,800 to provide Shafiqul’s family with 2 years of income replacement ($1200/month) – a crucial safety net as they navigate an uncertain future.

This campaign ends in March, with the full amount disbursed as a lump sum upon closure. Your kindness will be a lifeline for Shafiqul’s wife and child, ensuring they have the stability to carry on.

Every contribution matters. Will you help fulfill Shafiqul’s final wish?