What happened to Suresh?

In 2014, Suresh, a 37-year-old father, left his home in India to seek employment opportunities in Singapore. His job as a driver cum construction worker provided a steady income of $1,500 per month, of which he diligently remitted $1,000 to support his parents, wife, and two young daughters, aged 7 and 2.

On September 15, 2022, tragedy struck when Suresh’s boss requested him to assist with scaffolding and carrying materials at the construction site due to the lack of manpower. While walking on a plank from a 2-meter height, the plank tipped, causing him to fall. The impact when his back hit the concrete ground resulted in a compression fracture of his T12 and L1 spine, leaving him paralyzed waist down. An emergency surgery had to be done, where 8 screws were inserted into his spine to fuse the damaged bones. Suresh spent the next four months in hospital, undergoing recovery and rehabilitation therapy.

15 months post-accident, Suresh still grapples with persistent back pain and the loss of lower-body mobility, confined to his bed and wheelchair. Determined to remain independent, Suresh has adeptly learned to transfer himself and manage personal tasks with minimal assistance. Yet, the ongoing challenge lies in his inability to work and earn a living, emphasizing the financial strain on his journey toward recovery.

How can you help?

Ray of Hope is looking to fundraise $1,225 for Suresh’s living expenses for the next 4 months ($245 x 5 months) as he works on completing his WICA claims. Donations would be directly transferred to Suresh monthly.

How is Suresh coping right now?

In the past 10 months, Suresh has been confined to the sick bay of his dorm, waiting for the Ministry of Manpower’s mediation and decision on his Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) case. Unfortunately, Suresh’s WICA case surpassed the one-year mark in September 2023, leading to the cessation of his monthly compensation wages of $650. Coping with daily expenses, including necessities like groceries and traveling allowances, has become an uphill battle. His financial struggles have been exacerbated by the uncertainty of when a resolution will be reached, with predictions suggesting it could take another 3 to 4 months.

Amidst his mounting challenges, Suresh grapples with emotional distress stemming from the accident, compounded by his employer’s dispute over the injury claim. With his mobility compromised, Suresh finds himself confined to the dorm, further exacerbating his socio-emotional well-being. He dreams of being reunited with his family, emphasizing his desire to continue fulfilling his responsibilities as a father and son.

Suresh’s ultimate wish is to return home as soon as possible to recover in the presence of his loved ones. He plans to build a wheelchair ramp for easier mobility around his house in India. Despite his physical limitations, he aspires to work as a cobbler to sustain his family. His resilience shines through, and your support can make a significant impact on his journey to rebuild his life after this tragic accident.