Dear Family and Friends,
In early April our lovely
domestic helper, nanny and friend of seven years, Sharon, was diagnosed with
breast cancer. She has since had a mastectomy and is now facing the ordeal of
chemotherapy and radiation in addition to 10 years of hormone treatment.
Sharon came to Singapore from the
Philippines 14 years ago in order to find work to support her family. Her
husband, and father of her two children, died in a work-related accident
some years ago, leaving her as the sole breadwinner in the family. She received
a total of SGD $2,000 in compensation from his employer. In addition to her two
children, Sharon supports her aging mother and several siblings and their
families. A year ago, Sharon’s brother died suddenly, leaving her sister-in-law
widowed with seven children. Sharon has been providing financial support for
them as well.
As can be expected, news of
Sharon’s cancer has come as a shock to her family. Not only is someone they
love very much going through a difficult time, but the potential loss of
essential economic support is a source of unimaginable worry. On top of that,
COVID-19-related restrictions mean that Sharon cannot travel home to her
family, nor can any of them come to Singapore to support her during this very
difficult time. Facing this ordeal away from her family must be nearly
unbearable.
While stuck in
Singapore, Sharon is unable to access her Philippines health coverage
– a policy she pays into each year. We have a health insurance
policy for her which will cover many of the medical costs incurred during the
first three months of her treatment, but it will not cover any further
treatment beyond the three-month mark. Estimated uninsured costs could exceed
SGD $30,000 however our priority is Sharon’s well-being. While she
continues to receive her monthly salary, she will require additional support as
she adapts to her changed life. Prosthesis, medicines and hospital
consultations over many years will be needed. Once we are past the COVID
restrictions, we would very much like to reunite Sharon with her children and
other members of her family by bringing some of them to Singapore to support
her during her emotional journey. Due to her compromised immune system, doctors
have advised that she not return to the Philippines until she has completed her
treatment.
In addition to her current
struggles, Sharon faces an uncertain future. With her medical history, she may
find it difficult to obtain renewed employment in Singapore should we find
ourselves migrating back to our home in the UK.
The reality of the Domestic
Helper world is such that there is little to no support available to a Foreign
Domestic Worker who falls on hard times. Any support there is must come from
their employer or family back home. Most in this situation are simply put on a
plane back to the Philippines and forgotten. Our love and compassion for Sharon
compels us to help her through this ordeal in any way we can, and to help
ensure long-term economic stability for her and her family. If the current
COVID situation has taught the world anything, it is that a strong community
spirit can solve many problems. It is with this in mind that we ask for your help
in making Sharon’s life a bit easier. Any residual funds raised will go toward
helping other Domestic Helpers who find themselves in a similar situation.
