KUCHING: Jacob Sigar Sammy from the remote highlands of Bario reached out to Hope Place Kuching for help as he struggles to care for his mother, who is battling Stage 4 cancer.
Jacob and his mother, Rita Nikal, 61, travelled to Kuching earlier this year for treatment, leaving behind their livelihoods and plunging into financial hardship after quitting his job.
Rita, a Kelabit from Bario, has always been an independent and resourceful woman.
Earlier this year, while still working as a caterer, she began experiencing back pain, which she initially dismissed as a sign of ageing; but in August, she was diagnosed with cancer at Miri General Hospital and subsequently had to travel to Kuching’s Sarawak General Hospital for comprehensive treatment.
Jacob used to work as a security guard in Bario and took care of his mother, who is now weak and thin, breathless and lacking energy or appetite; Rita shared in fluent English with the NGO that she once led an active life in Bario running a small catering business for local events and functions.
Jacob, like his mother, is well-known in Bario, and in addition to his previous day job, he occasionally worked as a DJ in Miri.
Now residing in Kuching, Jacob continues to take up DJ engagements when opportunities arise.
The mother and son are currently staying at Stutong Avenue and express their gratitude to the church that has provided them with accommodation.
Rita also receives sponsorship for special milk powder, while Hope Place assists her by supplying adult diapers.
For more information, Hope Place or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can be reached at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
All donations are welcome, and receipts will be sent upon request. Donations can be sent directly to the NGO’s Maybank account at 5112 8900 1160 or via Sarawak Pay / S PAY GLOBAL QR code available on their Facebook page.
