KUCHING: For most people, a serious injury would be a devastating setback, but for Khiruddin Othman, it was just another challenge in a life already marked by hardship – and one more reason to keep going for the sake of his family.
The 39-year-old father of four from Demak Laut was working as a daily paid labourer last December when tragedy struck.
While repairing the roof of a house, he fell and broke his arm.
Hope Place stated that the injury required surgery, and a metal rod was inserted into his arm, leaving him too weak to return to work.
“But what he discovered in the hospital would change his life even more profoundly.
“A routine blood test revealed that Khiruddin was suffering from hepatitis C, diabetes and kidney failure on his left side – multiple illnesses that had gone undiagnosed until the accident,” Hope Place said in its press release.
Hope Place added that for Khiruddin, it was a blessing in disguise; at least now he knows, and he can try to get better.
“Khiruddin is no stranger to physical pain. Years earlier, a piling accident on a construction site cost him three fingers, leaving him permanently disabled.
“He holds an OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya) card but never allowed that to stop him from earning a living – until now.
“Since the accident, his wife, Siti Fatimah, 40, has become the family’s sole breadwinner.
“She works full-time as an administrative clerk, earning a modest income to support their four children, aged between five and 16.
“Fatimah’s elderly mother also lives with them and helps care for the children and Khiruddin.
“Despite their difficult circumstances, the family is doing its best to stay afloat.
“They receive RM450 in monthly welfare assistance, and recently, we stepped in to provide basic food supplies and milk powder for the children,” Hope Place added.
Those wishing to help can contact Hope Place at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
Donations can be made to Maybank account 511289001160. Receipts are available upon request.
Supporters can also visit Hope Place’s Facebook page to donate via Sarawak Pay (S PAY Global).
