Mr Maran and his wife, Vijaya, have six children. Their middle son, Sasitharan is a 12-year-old disabled boy.
Sasi was born normal, but at 2 months old he had liquid in his brain. After a series of 5 operations, 3 on the head/brain and 2 on his stomach (at the age of 2 months, 5 months, 1 yr+, 2.5 yrs, and 4 yrs), he became blind and crippled. Sasitharan's head is still swollen due to excessive water in his brain. Sasi can only eat liquids and soft foods and is dependent on his mother's 24-hour care. Doctor recommended Sasi drinks Simlac but the family could not afford this expensive milk. Vijaya finally settled on Everyday which is more affordable and tolerated by Sasi.
His father, Maran, 38 years, works as a gardener at a Sentul school. He is the only breadwinner and has to support his wife and six children with his salary of about RM900 per month. The family lives in the City Hall flats in Sentul paying a rent of RM130 per month. Sasi’s other 5 siblings are normal school-going children.
Apart from having to pay rent and other living expenses such as utilities, food and supplies for the family, school expenses, the family also needs to fork out expensive taxi fares whenever Sasitharan needs to go to the hospital. With an OKU son, the couple is given RM80 per month by the Social Welfare Dept. Sasi's needs comes up to almost RM100 per month which comprise the items below:
Everyday powdered milk – 1.1 kg pack per month (RM27.15)
Nestum cereal - 250gm pack x 3 packs per month (RM3.50 x 3 = RM10.50)
Gripe water (for bloating) – 148ml bottle x 2 bottles per month (RM10 per bottle x 2 = RM20)
L-size diapers – 72 pcs pack per month (RM23)
Hospital visits – 1 visit per month @ RM15 return taxi fare
In his blind and crippled state, Sasi does not have much of a life but he is happy. He has a very good sense of hearing and enjoys listening to music, so he is usually in the part of the house nearest to the radio:)
Sasi's family is currently in MOW FOOD BANK program whereby we provide groceries up to RM100 per month.
If you would like to specifically help with Sasi's expenses, please contact June (03-77849002 or email trccpenchala@gmail.com) or Kim (012-3036019 or email yeapkimsee@hotmail.com).
Donations in terms of cash/cheque can be deposited into our account (Acc Name: Ti Ratana Community Centre Penchala, CIMB, Acc No: 14660000259057).
Please email the bank-in slip to trccpenchala@gmail.com and specify in the email the funds is for MOW HAPPY CHILD - SASI. We do not encourage cash/cheque to be given directly to the recipients, so that we can better monitor how your contribution is spent.
On behalf Maran, Vijaya, Sasi and his siblings, we are grateful for whatever support you can extend to the family.
Post and pictures by Kim
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