Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted Supporters,

I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and a sincere plea for your help. My beloved mother, Rita, is battling stage 4 cancer that has spread to her spine. At 79 years old, she has always been our family’s rock, and it pains me deeply to see her going through this difficult time.

A Life of Service: From Teacher to Community Guardian

My mother, a retired school teacher, has been living in Singapore since 2012, and although she is not a Singaporean citizen, she has made this country her home. Since arriving, she has been an active member of our community, dedicating her time to volunteer efforts to keep our neighborhood safe. She was a committed participant in citizen patrol programs, working alongside fellow volunteers to maintain the security and well-being of our community. Her dedication to these patrols exemplifies her sense of civic responsibility and her desire to contribute to the safety of her adopted home. This only stopped when her health no longer allowed her to do so.

She has always put our family first, making sacrifices to ensure that I received the best education and opportunities. When we lost my father in 2014, it was my mother’s strength and love that helped us through those dark days.

The Diagnosis and a Journey of Resilience

Despite the challenges she faces, my mother’s resilience and determination have been truly inspiring. In January 2024, she received the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 cancer with metastases on her upper spine. This news came as a shock, especially given her active lifestyle and volunteer work with the community patrols. By February, she was bedbound due to the debilitating effects of her cancer. However, with unwavering spirit, she progressed to using a wheelchair in March. By June, she had graduated to a walker, and since July 2024, she has been able to move around with the aid of a walking cane. This remarkable progress is a testament to her strength, especially considering that she has been undergoing radiation treatment and chemotherapy since April.

Treatment Progress and Hope

Although the original tumor is still present, the surgeons have indicated that surgery is not a viable option at this time. Nonetheless, the treatments have shown promising results, as the tumor is shrinking. Mom is scheduled to start her next round of chemotherapy in September, and we remain hopeful that her condition will continue to improve.

Throughout this journey, my mother and I have cherished our walks together, a simple yet profound way for us to connect and find joy in each other’s company. We also enjoy the occasional game of Scrabble, which Mom always manages to win with her sharp wit and extensive vocabulary – a testament to her years as a dedicated educator and engaged community member.

The Financial Challenge

Now, as she continues her fight against cancer, I find myself struggling to provide her with the financial support she so desperately needs. The cost of her medical treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, and cancer medications, has been overwhelming. I have been using my Medisave account to cover her expenses, but it is not enough. As a foreign citizen, my mother is not eligible for government subsidies or financial assistance, leaving us to shoulder the entire cost of her substantial medical fees.

A Plea for Support

I am turning to you, our caring community, for support. Ray of Hope has set a goal to raise $71,975.27 to cover my mother’s outstanding hospital bills and upcoming treatment. The total cost of her treatment is far more than our family’s savings and credit card limits can handle. Even though insurance may eventually cover some expenses, we are required to pay the full amount upfront in cash, with reimbursement subject to the insurance provider’s approval. This has put us in a very difficult financial situation, and we are struggling to afford the immediate costs of my mother’s life-saving treatment.

Your Generosity Can Make a Difference

I am humbly asking for your help during this trying time. Your generosity, regardless of the amount, will help ensure that my mother can access the critical healthcare services she needs without placing an additional burden on our family. Your support will not only ease our financial stress but also provide emotional comfort, letting my mother know that she is not alone in her battle against cancer.

Thank you for taking the time to read my appeal and for considering supporting my mother during this challenging journey. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us, and would allow my mother to focus on her recovery and potentially return to the community safety patrols she was so passionate about.

With heartfelt gratitude, 

Raewyn

A Mother’s Battle with Cancer

Madam Rita, a 79-year-old long-time resident of Singapore, is facing a challenging fight against stage 4 cancer that has spread to her spine. Diagnosed in January 2024, this condition has significantly impacted her daily life, requiring her to rely on her son as a full-time caregiver for many activities she once managed independently.

The Diagnosis and Its Impact

The cancer diagnosis has not only affected Madam Rita’s health but has also placed considerable strain on her family. Her son, who has been her primary support, finds himself navigating the complex world of cancer treatment while trying to manage the mounting medical expenses.

Medical Needs and Challenges

Madam Rita’s treatment plan is comprehensive and ongoing. It includes spinal decompression surgery, radiation treatments, cancer medications, and regular check-ups. As a Malaysian citizen living in Singapore, she faces the additional challenge of being ineligible for local government subsidies, leaving her family to bear the full cost of her treatments.

Financial Situation

The financial burden of Madam Rita’s cancer treatment has been significant. To date, medical costs have totaled $123,227.55, with projected costs for the next 16 months estimated at an additional $52,741.38. Despite using his Medisave account, Madam Rita’s son is finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the expenses.

Fundraising Goal

In light of these challenges, Ray of Hope aims to raise $71,975.27. This amount will cover outstanding hospital bills, upcoming treatments, and expected medical costs for the next 16 months. The target already takes into account potential insurance coverage that is currently being processed.

How Your Support Helps

Your contribution to this fund will play a crucial role in ensuring Madam Rita receives the necessary medical care. Beyond the immediate financial relief, your support will allow her family to focus on her health and recovery without the constant worry of mounting medical bills.

Every donation, regardless of size, can make a meaningful difference in Madam Rita’s cancer treatment journey. By supporting this campaign, you’re not just contributing to a fund – you’re helping a family navigate one of the most challenging periods of their lives and ensuring a mother receives the care she needs.

Thank you for considering a donation to Madam Rita’s Cancer Care Fund. Your generosity can help write a more hopeful chapter in Madam Rita’s story.