Priya, 68, and her son Arjun, 48, share a close bond and live together in their newly renovated two-room rental flat. Their story is one of resilience and mutual care, despite the medical challenges they both face.

A Family Battling Health Challenges

Priya, a former cleaner, was forced to retire in 2019 due to a series of health issues, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and severe leg weakness. These conditions have affected her mobility, leaving her often feeling dizzy and breathless.

Arjun’s life changed drastically in 2019 when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. After being hospitalised for an entire year and undergoing multiple abdominal surgeries, he was deemed permanently unfit for work. To manage his condition, Arjun requires fortnightly intravenous treatments at the hospital.

Adding to their challenges, both Priya and Arjun’s medical conditions require special dietary considerations. They cannot rely on low-cost options like canned or instant foods or even meals from hawker centres, as these can worsen their health issues. This makes their grocery costs significantly higher, further stretching their already limited finances.

Despite their physical limitations, Priya and Arjun care for each other selflessly. They attend medical appointments together and even take turns pushing each other in a wheelchair when outdoors. Their strength lies in their unity.

A Renovation Burden

In September 2024, Priya and Arjun were overjoyed to receive the keys to their new rental unit. However, their excitement quickly turned to dismay when they discovered the flat was uninhabitable. The flooring was damaged, the bathroom fixtures were broken, and the unit lacked kitchen cabinets and gas installations.

Given their mobility challenges, navigating such a space was nearly impossible. With no other option, they hired a contractor to make essential renovations to create a safe and functional home. This necessary expense left them facing arrears of $7,430—an overwhelming sum given their limited financial resources.

How You Can Help:

Ray of Hope is raising $8,640 to support Priya and Arjun for 8 months as they focus on paying off their renovation arrears. This amount will cover $1,080 per month for essentials, including:

– Groceries and sundry supplies: $500

– Transport for medical appointments: $250

– Adult diapers: $250

– Meals during medical visits: $80

How Your Support Will Help

Your contributions will provide Priya and Arjun with the security they need to focus on their health and well-being. By covering their living expenses, you will give them peace of mind as they work towards clearing their debts and integrating fully into their new home. Your generosity can turn their home into a true sanctuary—a place where they can heal, rest, and look toward a brighter future.

Priya and Arjun’s Message of Hope 

“We have gone through lots of struggles,” Arjun shared. “Your support would allow us to live peacefully without worries. We want to do our best for each other.”