Hi everyone, my name is Deborah and I am sharing this story for Tam and his family. This is Tam, he is a dear family friend who is currently experiencing a horrible family crisis. Tam’s two children are aged 29 (daughter) and 30 (son), and both have developmental and special needs for all their lives, on top of battling long-term illnesses.

On October 9th, Tam’s daughter tragically passed in a sudden incident that caused her condition to worsen in a matter of hours. What is even more heartbreaking is that her mother, Anita, experienced a heart attack the day after from mental and physical exhaustion. As a mother, it was impossible for her to fathom her daughter’s passing, and she and Tam have given in to feelings of guilt over this. She is still in the ICU today, and her condition is critical.

Tam bears the responsibility of being the sole income in his family. He needs to care for his wife, his son who also deals with health issues, and his 94 year old mother who lives with them. Already juggling two jobs as a mailman during the day, and a handyman at night, Tam has had to take time off work to visit his wife in the ICU every day since the incident almost a month ago, and of course, he has run out of paid time off.

The hospital failed to tend to his daughter’s critical conditions, having them to wait HOURS before it was too late, crucial hours that could have saved her life. However, Tam is a kind and gentle man, for as long as my family have known him. He is patient and kind, and has never put blame towards others. He is easily one of the hardest working people we know.

As many of us know, older and more traditional Asian individuals find it hard to ask for help, and they tend to try to keep everything and deal within themselves. Tam is no exception— he isn’t familiar with this whole social media thing, and was hesitant to even share his story as he sees it as “burdening” others. Thankfully, he has now given permission for my family and others to share to others, and I am thankful enough to have connections to wonderful online communities such as this one. This GoFundMe is to help aid in relief for Tam and his family— proceeds will go towards expenses for funeral costs, medical bills, and support in caring for his family.

It would mean so much for anyone to donate, I understand in economy everybody is struggling, but any amount would mean worlds. If you are not able to donate, which is completely understandable and okay, please keep Tam and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Hopefully we can show Tam the impact of support from an online community, and uplift him and his family with hope for the future.