Each day begins with the same pressure,making sure there is food on the table for her children. She lives with her husband, Mr Karthivan, and their two toddlers, aged four and two, in a small rental flat.

To provide for them Mdm Suba works part time as a food delivery rider. On most days, she earns about $20 to $30. Even on better days, it barely covers daily needs. Still, she takes on every order. There is no one else to rely on. 

Mr Karthivan is unable to work due to severe health challenges. Earlier this year, he suffered a heart attack and underwent multiple medical procedures, including the amputation of two toes. His recovery has been slow, and much of his time is spent resting at home. With his income gone, the responsibility of providing for the family falls entirely on Mdm Suba.

At the same time, she is trying to manage her own health struggles. She recently discovered a lump near her upper abdomen and is waiting for further medical scans. The uncertainty is frightening, yet stopping work is not an option. She also lives with frequent migraines that began since her teenage years, something she has learned to endure quietly.

In September, she was hospitalised after injuring her hands from repeatedly having to handwash laundry after  their washing machine broke down. For families with very little, even small household problems can quickly become overwhelming.

When Hardship Becomes a Daily Weight

The days have grown heavier as Mdm Suba tries to stretch every dollar. She often loses sleep worrying about basic needs for her children.

The family has taken on about $1,000 in personal loans just to cope with daily expenses during periods of medical instability. Keeping up with repayments adds to the pressure they carry each day.

There is little support to fall back on. Mdm Suba’s parents have passed away, she is no longer in contact with her brother, and support from her husband’s extended family is limited. Friends help when they can, but it is never certain.

Still, Mdm Suba keeps going. Each week, she collects groceries from the Residents’ Committee and carefully plans each meal, even when some items cannot be eaten due to her husband’s health restrictions.

When asked what keeps her going, she shares, “I have a dream and I want to bring up my children in a safe environment.” 

Her children are her hope, and the reason she continues day after day.

A Step Toward Stability

Right now, the family needs urgent support. Mr Karthivan’s health has declined to a point where he is no longer able to take public transport, and taxi rides have become necessary for his medical appointments and essential travel. These added costs, on top of daily living expenses, have placed further strain on the family’s already fragile situation.

Ray of Hope is raising $1,800 to cover Mr Karthivan’s taxi fares to his medical appointments for 6 months, support the family’s living expenses and ensure Mr Karthivan can continue attending medical appointments safely, while Mdm Suba completes her course and works towards securing stable employment. As Mdm Suba is the sole breadwinner, a buffer after her three-month course will allow her time to secure employment, especially as her job options are limited. With her husband’s health continuing to decline, this buffer offers her some assurance and stability as she transitions into work and works towards sustaining her employment. 

This support provides the family with much-needed breathing room during a critical period, easing the pressure of immediate shortfalls and allowing Mdm Suba to focus on rebuilding stability for her household.

Your support helps Mdm Suba hold on to what matters most, raising her children in a home that feels safe and secure, rather than constant uncertainty.

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