Help Ricky with cancer treatment expenses

[edit 10th Dec: we've disabled further donations as the target has been reached. It has been simply amazing seeing the amount of support pouring in for my dad, and we are very touched by all the kindness and care everyone has shown. No words could express just how grateful we are, and we would like to thank each and every one of you, from the bottom of our hearts. This is going to be an ongoing journey, but we will be taking it a step at a time, and with each step, we grow stronger ♥]

"Anything for My Family"

 

 

If our dad had a mantra, this would be his.

 

Our dad, Ricky Eng (71 yrs), spent a lot of his adult life toiling to support us, my brother Roy and me (Jocelyn), making sure he could financially support us in getting tertiary education, something that he never had a chance to get himself. Born and raised in Malaysia to Chinese migrants and coming from a childhood of poverty, he was determined that we wouldn't have to struggle as much as he did. For over 30 years, he struggled under the hot sun, driving his school bus (without air-conditioning) from early in the morning until late in the evening. His sweat and toil eventually resulted with my brother and I migrating to and becoming citizens of Australia.

 

 

 

 

Most people who knew Ricky would know him as the friendly, responsible school bus driver who spent his entire life only thinking about his family and making sacrifices.

A few years ago, Ricky’s mental health took a plunge as he developed depression, which got worse, and the increasing stress on mum (Jacqueline) and himself caused us to decide to bring them over to Australia. He was almost 70 at the time, and we figured it would be good for him to retire and move here to be near us. They sold everything they had to facilitate the move and to cover the application fees for permanent residency. The currency exchange was not favourable for them but we wanted to make it work, for a better future for them both. And it worked out well at first because living with us helped his mood and there was a big improvement on his mental health.

 

A rude awakening came when Ricky was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer (Stage 3) while in the middle of the COVID pandemic, following repeated bleeding and constant but random constipation/diarrhoea issues. The dreaded C word that no one ever expects nor wants to hear.

 

 

 

 

We are now seeking your help to cover our dad’s medical expenses, as this came at the worst possible time (although it is never a good time for cancer).

Mum and dad are still waiting on their permanent visa from Australia, so they are on a temporary visa, and therefore don't have Medicare (social healthcare). We tried to get them health cover from private health insurances when they first arrived, but every company we spoke to did not cover the bridging visas that they are on - only covering specific classes of visas.

My income had also been severely affected since the start of COVID almost 2 years ago, and early this year, I decided to take the opportunity of having less work to go back to Uni (with a government loan) to pursue my passion and a chance at a better career. It has taken a lot of heartache to admit that we need help with this sudden expense. 

 

I just want to say a big thank you for your patience in reading everything. We understand that times are tough all around, and would be grateful for any form of help or amount of contribution. Most importantly, we would be very grateful if you could share this with friends and family. A little bit from a lot of people goes a long way.