Helping Sharon win her fight against breast cancer

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.

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.