A family is struggling to survive as illness after illness continues to strike their household, leaving the sole breadwinner with barely enough income to get through the month.
Speaking exclusively to WeirdKaya, Grace shared that her husband, who is physically disabled, works as a mechanic and earns just over RM3,000 a month.
However, after loan deductions taken by his employer to cover repeated medical emergencies, he sometimes brings home less than RM1,000.
At home, Grace battles epilepsy and frequent hospital admissions while their young son, who previously underwent hernia surgery, is once again hospitalised with suspected appendicitis and stomach infection.
Wife suffers epilepsy, multiple hospitalisations
Grace shared that she spent five years caring for her bedridden mother, who requires an oxygen tank. After her mother passed away two years ago, she fell into depression and later developed epilepsy.
Today, she experiences seizures two to three times a week and land herself in the hospital if it takes a turn for the worse.
She also said that she once spent three days in an unconscious state in the HDU ward.
Doctors have advised Grace to seek psychiatric treatment and even recommended that the family move away from their current living environment.
However, this is difficult for them as the family stays in a rented shop lot that doesn’t have a lift. Furthermore, nearby residents are mostly foreigners and there is little community support.
Although treatment costs are reduced thanks to the OKU card belonging to the Grace’s husband, there are still additional expenses such as medication, nutrition supplements, and transport that the family can’t afford.
Insurance refuses to cover procedure
As for Grace’s son, he has been sick for years since his first surgery and was admitted to the hospital due to a suspected appendicitis.
However, doctors were unable to clearly locate the appendix and instead found an infection in his lower abdomen.
The family was dealt another blow when they were informed that their son’s scope procedure will not be insured, leaving them unsure over how to pay for further treatment.
Grace shared that her son has been vomiting for over two weeks and struggles to eat hospital food. He also sometimes cries for simple meals or treats that she sadly cannot afford.
She added that there are days when the family sleeps without eating, sometimes relying on temple food when transport is available.
Salary chipped away by debts, emergency loans
Because of repeated hospital admissions, Grace’s husband often borrows money from his boss to pay for urgent expenses, which is then deducted directly from his salary. After deductions, he would sometimes receives only RM900.
He also faces pressure from others who previously lent money for medical costs, often calling and berating him over unpaid debts.
While Grace has expressed desire to do deliveries in order to earn extra money, the family car is old and frequently breaks down, especially during the rainy season. On top of that, the family is unable to afford repairs and road tax renewals.
Small acts of help keep the family going
A kind-hearted individual currently sponsors for her son’s school transport, which is a huge relief as he had missed school for months due to unpaid transport fees.
Grace says that while her husband’s boss has been supportive, some colleagues have taken a dislike to their close relationship and often make negative remarks whenever her husband takes time off for family emergencies.
Despite everything, the mother says her only wish is for her family to be healthy.
“I just want prayers for my family. As a mother, it breaks my heart seeing my son sick all the time,” she shared.
Those who wish to offer assistance may contact Grace directly.
Phone number: 014-953 2431
Bank: CIMB
Account number: 7658313972
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