For Pearlyn, the past few years have been a constant test of resilience. She is the devoted mother of four children — Jareth (14), Jacelyn (12), Alvius (5), and Aralyn (4). Her eldest son was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), receives special after-school care during weekdays and only returns home on weekends. Her two youngest attend a neighborhood day care center that gives them a safe and nurturing space each day. 

But recently, her world changed when little Alvius was diagnosed to be on the Autism spectrum. Since then, he has been attending an Early Intervention Programme twice a week. It is a lifeline for him — and for Pearlyn, who juggles the care of her children while trying to stay afloat financially and emotionally.

Her husband, Roy, faces charges for domestic violence against Pearlyn and her son Jareth. Since then, he has been living apart, and was allowed only short visits to see the younger children. 

In January 2025, Roy was scammed by someone claiming to help him with a Debt Repayment Scheme, losing nearly $8,000 before being declared bankrupt. Today, the remaining $40,000 debt continues to weigh heavily on the family. Roy is no longer able to provide any financial support to the family.

Trying to Stay Afloat While Caring for Her Children

To make ends meet, Pearlyn became a private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver in May 2025. The flexibility allows her to be there for Alvius and Aralyn, but the trade-off is steep. Her working hours are limited by school drop-offs, therapy sessions, and childcare needs. Fuel, rental, and platform fees eat into her fares, leaving her with little or no income at month’s end.

Her finances have been stretched to breaking point — rent and utilities arrears of $606.50, employer cash advances of $2,623, and personal loans of $500 from friends and relatives. Some days, she quietly skips meals to ensure her children eat first. The stress has taken a toll on her mental health. Last year, she suffered panic attacks and had suicidal thoughts. She sought treatment with a psychiatrist but eventually stopped medication because it made her too drowsy to function. Still, she continues to fight for her children, determined not to give up.

“I’m soooo burnt out,” she confides softly, her voice breaking. Yet, despite the exhaustion, she cannot afford to stop. “I cannot rest. If I rest, money will stop.” Those words capture the relentless cycle she faces — to keep going, even when every part of her body is telling her to slow down.

A Chance to Rebuild and Look Forward

This campaign seeks to raise $8,049* — $7,300 for four months of essential household support ($1,825 per month) and $606.50 to clear her rent and utilities arrears. The funds will buy Pearlyn time and space to regain her footing. She plans to attend employability programmes and take up skills upgrading courses that will equip her for a stable job compatible with her caregiving needs.

Every dollar given helps Pearlyn keep a roof over her children’s heads, put food on the table, and build a pathway to independence. She does not ask for sympathy — only for the chance to breathe, to learn, and to rise again for the sake of her children.

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