FamilesA Life Marked by Hardship

Mdm Kim’s life has been marked by resilience yet tested by hardship at every turn. Born in Taiwan and adopted at a young age, she grew up without experiencing the warmth of parental love after losing her adoptive father when she was just two years old. Despite navigating life without the support of a stable family, she found the strength to build a life of her own.

Today, in her 60s, that same strength carries her through an impossible situation. Despite battling coronary heart disease, liver problems, spinal issues and depression, Mdm Kim is the sole carer for her young grandchildren.

“I worry about them constantly,” she confides. “When I cannot afford to buy what they need, I feel such guilt. I want to give them a better life than I had.”

But with severe health limitations, she struggles to provide even the most basic necessities for them.

Fighting Pain, Fighting for Her Family

Mdm Kim’s monthly medical expenses are overwhelming. She requires pain management injections costing $350 just to function through her chronic pain. While she receives some social assistance, it is not enough to cover her critical healthcare and daily needs and the needs of her grandchildren.

Recently, Mdm Kim was dealt another blow. A legal notice demanding payment for her phone bill arrears. This has created immense anxiety, as her phone line is her lifeline. It is how she schedules medical appointments, accesses social services, and reaches out for support when moments of distress become too much to bear alone.

Losing this connection would leave her completely isolated, cutting off access to medical care and the support she desperately needs.

A Grandmother Who Gives Everything

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Mdm Kim budgets carefully and tries making every dollar stretch. However, this often comes at the expense of her own nutrition and well-being. She goes without so her grandchildren don’t have to.

“I just want to make sure the children have what they need,” she says simply. “If I can give them stability and care, that would mean everything to me.”

Right now, Mdm Kim needs our help to continue caring for her grandchildren while managing her own urgent medical needs.

How You Can Make a Difference

Ray of Hope is raising $600/month to ensure Mdm Kim does not have to choose between her health and her grandchildren’s needs.