What happened to Zaki? 

In 2018, Zaki unexpectedly became the primary support system for his mother, Mdm Idah. Zaki’s journey as a caregiver began with his mother’s diagnosis of chronic depression and her subsequent separation from his abusive father. Now 29 years old, Zaki works as an ad-hoc mover, juggling the demands of work with constant worry about his mother’s well-being. 

A lack of income and snowballing bills has heightened Mdm Idah’s stress, even as she battles suicidal thoughts and struggles with high medical costs. Despite her desire to return to employment, the incessant thoughts that assail her have prevented her from successfully doing so. 

Mdm Idah’s prolonged departure from employment due to medical reasons left Zaki as both the primary breadwinner and caregiver. With his younger brother serving  National Service and unable to contribute to the household’s needs at this time, Zaki shoulders these responsibilities willingly. Needing the flexibility to be at his mother’s side for safety reasons, Zaki chose to work as an ad-hoc mover, earning $700-800 per month.

While they hope to piece their lives together again, Zaki needs help to tide his family through.

How can you help?

Ray of Hope is fundraising to support Zaki and his family for the next 6 months with the family’s living expenses, Mdm Idah’s medications, and settling an outstanding SP bill that weighs heavily on their shoulders.

The breakdown includes:

Living Expenses: $380 per month

Medications: $266.70 per month

Outstanding SP Bill: $383.29 (one-time payment)

Your support will not only alleviate their financial burden but also support Zaki in caring for his mother and maintaining the stability of their family.

Find out more about Zaki and his challenges as a caregiver:

For years, Mdm Idah suffered verbal and physical abuse by her husband, on top of the stressors of caring for her children on a shoestring budget. The relentless cycle of abuse, coupled with the pressing need to ensure the safety and well-being of both herself and her children, ultimately compelled Mdm Idah to take the courageous step of filing a Personal Protection Order (PPO) and a divorce.

Between 2016 and 2018, Mdm Idah tirelessly raised her two children single-handedly, dedicating herself to providing for their needs. Her relentless focus on work to sustain the household, coupled with neglecting her well-being, took a toll on her mental health. Mdm Idah now battles with severe suicidal thoughts, on top of chronic depression. In 2018, the weight of Mdm Idah’s mental health struggles necessitated a leave of absence from work. 

Throughout the years, Mdm Idah’s battle with her mental health intensified. Relentless voices urged her to jump off a building, taunting her as “stupid” and “useless”. To make matters worse, Mdm Idah is allergic to many drugs, necessitating treatment with non-standard medications which are frequently unsubsidized. The side effects of these medications include lethargy and agitation, adding complexity to the family’s daily lives. 

“My family isn’t the same as it was before. Depression took my mother away. There are times when I look at her, and she feels like a different person, but deep down, I still see the mother I’ve always known.” Zaki confided in our Case Managers.

The family is still not out of the woods at this point. Lingering fears from what they have gone through still plague the family, casting shadows of uncertainty over their future and amplifying the importance of continued support and understanding from the community. Despite the challenges, Zaki remains determined to be the rock his family relies on, advocating for his mother’s well-being while navigating their journey to healing.