My disability and personal care

Hello, my name is Supattraporn Tantikom (Mai), I was a victim of a van accident in 1999 and since then I have been paralyzed from my neck down. I was only 29 at that time, working as an air hostess for Japan Airlines and living my dream life.

Life took a major turn since then, from having and doing everything I have ever wanted to just being able to move my neck. Living in a tiny room with a 24/7 caregiver was not easy. Over time, I started to gain knowledge regarding how to survive as a disabled person. At that time; technology was limited and there was no law supporting employment for persons with disabilities. I was lucky enough to get my first ‘sip and puff equipment’ that serves as a mouse and a laptop from an American sponsor. This made me feel a sense of independence and that’s when I started writing my book about my life struggles and hardships. I was lucky enough to get it published and it has sold over 10,000 copies so far.

I was active and productive and knew I had to make a difference to the disabled community. I then joined DPI (NGO) as a volunteer to advocate and coordinate for women with disability rights. I tried my best to support myself in every way possible as it only got tougher and tougher. Living with a disability is financially and emotionally crippling.

Fast-forwarding 22 years into my life now amid COVID, my caregiver suddenly decided to leave for good. She did not inform me in advance and for a disabled person, I can confidently say that I have never felt more vulnerable in my entire life. I am now staying at a home health care so I can receive the bare minimum support for survival. I am also currently unemployed which is another source of burden in my life. To continue my stay at the home health care, I will be required to make a payment of 25,000 per month. I am in desperate need to pay for my bills, therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to request any amount of donation and contribution. Your help will make a huge difference in my life. This story took me over an hour to type so I truly hope you can empathize and show your loving support. I am nothing but another human being asking for help. Thanking everyone who decides to lend a hand in advance, please don't forget to share and forward this message to as many people as you can. I'm sure you can understand how hard it is already to find a job being perfectly normal, just take a moment and imagine how hard it must be for a person like me.

Every donation is highly valuable!

Thank you!