KUCHING: A family in Siburan struggling to care for two children with disabilities is receiving assistance from Hope Place Kuching amid financial and transportation challenges.
The family, headed by Christopher Eddy Gahum, 45, lives at Tanan Duranda Emas with his wife, only known as Nonie, 42, and their two sons, aged seven and 12.
Christopher works as a lorry assistant on a daily wage and is the family’s sole income earner. The cost of travelling to hospital appointments and treatments for his children has added to the family’s financial burden.
His eldest son, Christiano, 12, has autism and attends a special education programme at Community Rehabilitation Centre (PDK) when his father is able to take him.
Christopher said Christiano is highly active and has difficulty communicating. When his son becomes agitated, he said he would hold him until he calms down.
His younger son, Chris Valentine, seven, has been diagnosed with speech delay and is unable to speak. He has yet to attend school as there is no nearby special education facility that caters to his needs, according to Christopher.
For now, Chris Valentine attends speech therapy sessions at the hospital occasionally.
Hope Place also attempted to engage with Nonie during its visit, but she remained withdrawn and did not interact with the team.
The NGO said it was concerned about her wellbeing and hoped the family could receive further support if needed.
Besides financial difficulties, transportation remains a major challenge for Christopher, who does not own a vehicle.
He often relies on e-hailing services, neighbours or villagers for transport to his children’s hospital appointments and school-related activities.
Christopher also has to take leave from work whenever his children have medical appointments, further affecting the family’s income.
Hope Place said it was grateful to a volunteer who referred the family to the organisation, enabling it to provide assistance.
The NGO is currently supporting Christopher’s family with basic food aid.
Those wishing to support Hope Place or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can contact 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
Donations can be made to MBB account 511289001160. Donors may also obtain the organisation’s Sarawak Pay or S Pay Global QR code through its Facebook page. Receipts are available upon request.
