KUCHING: As many gather with loved ones to celebrate the Gawai harvest festival, one family in Bandar Baru Semariang here is clinging to something far more essential – hope, strength and each other.
For 61-year-old Sediah Sta, Gawai is a quiet affair this year.
Visually impaired and battling multiple health complications including diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues and kidney failure, Sediah’s reality is far removed from celebration.
Hope Place Kuching disclosed that Sediah is still recovering from a recent hospitalisation due to a severe stomach infection, and she remains weak and mostly bedridden.
During a recent visit by the local non-governmental organisation (NGO), they observed that Sediah’s health challenges have deeply impacted the family’s daily life.
“Her daughter, Julie, has become her primary caregiver by tending to Sediah’s needs while also managing household responsibilities and caring for her three young children who are aged one, nine and 17.
“Julie, who once earned a modest income by ferrying neighbourhood children to school, has since stopped working to focus entirely on her mother’s care.
“This leaves her father – the family’s sole breadwinner – relying on irregular income from his job as a daily-paid construction worker,” the NGO said in a statement on Monday.
Despite the financial strain and emotional toll, Hope Place Kuching said the family continues to support one another with quiet resilience.
“Currently, Sediah receives RM200 in monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department.
“We are helping ease the family’s burden by providing adult diapers, a wheelchair, and regular food aid for the family,” it said.
Those wishing to support Sediah and others like her can contact Hope Place Kuching at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
Contributions can be made directly to Maybank account 511289001160, or through their Facebook page using the Sarawak Pay/S PAY GLOBAL QR code and receipts will be issued upon request.
