A Life They Built Together

Mr Lee, 65, and Mdm Ngai, 67, found companionship later in life and have been together ever since.

They met after each had gone through previous marriages and raised families of their own. What they found in each other was steady companionship and a second chance at building a home together.

They have been living in a one-room rental flat, a simple space they manage together. Over the years, they have come to rely on one another as their main source of care and stability.

They receive little financial or caregiving support from their children or extended family. For daily life, it has long been the two of them leaning on each other.

That support became even more important when Mdm Ngai’s health took an unexpected turn.

When Illness Changed Their Routine

In 2024, Mdm Ngai was diagnosed with breast cancer. Chemotherapy began soon after. The treatment has been necessary, but it has taken a toll on her body. She now experiences significant weakness in her arms and legs, making everyday movement difficult. Walking even short distances can be exhausting, and for longer trips, she relies on a wheelchair.

Simple tasks that once felt ordinary, such as going to the market, attending medical appointments, managing household errands, and keeping up with daily routines at home, now require careful planning and assistance.

As her treatment progressed, Mr Lee gradually stepped into the role of full-time caregiver. He accompanies her to every appointment, helps her transfer in and out of the wheelchair, assists with her mobility at home, and keeps track of medications and schedules while managing the household.

“It’s my responsibility,” he says. “We take care of each other.”

It has been physically tiring for him, but he makes sure she receives the care she needs each day.

Managing on Limited Income

The couple relies mainly on assistance from the Social Service Office (SSO) and periodic food rations to get by. There is no regular financial support from their children or relatives.

Mr Lee keeps a careful track of every dollar. He plans meals around what they receive and stretches groceries as far as he can. Still, rising living costs and the added expenses that come with medical treatment have made things tighter.

There is little room in their budget for unexpected needs. Even everyday items like rice, cooking oil, toiletries, and adult supplements require careful calculation.

While Mdm Ngai focuses on getting through chemotherapy and rebuilding her strength, Mr Lee is balancing caregiving with the constant task of making sure the household has enough to eat.

What We Are Raising Funds For

We are raising $1,221.60* to provide $200 per month in grocery and daily necessities support over the next six months.

This support will help pay for food, toiletries, and other daily necessities, easing the monthly strain on their limited income while Mdm Ngai continues her treatment.

How This Will Help

Knowing that groceries are covered each month will ease some of the strain they currently face.

With grocery vouchers in place, Mr Lee can spend less time worrying about stretching every dollar and more time focusing on Mdm Ngai’s care. For Mdm Ngai, it means one less concern while she continues her treatment and recovery.

They have always depended on each other. This support gives them some breathing room during the next six months of treatment.

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.