Help Support My Dad's Medical treatment After a Stroke

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

I am Simerpal, reaching out to you with a heavy heart to share my father's story and to seek your support during this incredibly challenging time. My dad, Santokh Singh, along with my mum, visited me in Australia on a visitor visa last year for a one-year stay. They came to support me during my pregnancy and postnatal care, as well as to spend some quality time together. After completing their intended stay, my dad was ready to fly back to India with my mum on Sunday, November 10th. However, just two days before their scheduled flight, our world turned upside down.

On Friday, November 8th, my dad suffered a major stroke that required immediate surgery. The scans and tests revealed two significant blood clots: one in the left side of his brain (temporal lobe), which has caused complete weakness in his right limbs, slurred speech, memory problems, confusion, and other cognitive issues. The second clot was found in the right side of his neck (main artery), where the medical team had to place a stent.

This sudden crisis has left our family in shock. My dad is currently in PA Hospital, fighting to recover. His recovery has been very slow due to previous surgeries (gallbladder and appendicitis) he underwent a few years ago. Therefore, not suitable for rehabilitation programs for other 2 weeks approx.

while I am overwhelmed with the reality of the mounting medical expenses. My dad has always been my biggest support, and now he needs my support in this critical time. He’s normally very outgoing, chatty, optimistic and love to spend time with his friends, family. Everyone would always love to chat with my dad and hear his crazy stories that he would offer to any willing listener.

Unfortunately, he does not have health insurance this time and the costs of his medical care are beyond what we can manage as a family of four, which includes two young children (ages 6 and 11 months).

I have already exhausted my paid annual leave and was on unpaid maternity leave to care for my newborn. My dad needs daily assistance, because of his language barriers and the hospital is struggling to find a Punjabi Interpreter for him. Therefore I travel daily to assist the medical and Allied health team to communicate with my dad.

I have applied for extended leave, so at the moment, my husband is the only one earning an income to cover our household expenses.

The financial burden we are facing is daunting. Between hospital bills, surgery costs, and ongoing medical care, the expenses are more than we can bear. I am reaching out to our community for help. Every single penny counts and will go directly toward my dad's medical expenses. Your support, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in our lives during this difficult time.

If you can find it in your heart to donate, I would be forever grateful. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network would also mean the world to us. Together, we can help my dad get the care he needs to recover and return home.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your kindness and support during this challenging time mean more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Simerpal Kaur