​Every dollar adds up and helps patients when they need it most. In Mdm Ong’s case, a relatively small amount helped put her back on her feet again in more ways than one! 

"I was taking my children to the Residents’ Committee Centre near my home, when I accidentally fell into a small drain and broke a bone in my foot.   I didn’t worry about the pain because my biggest concern was not being able to work and the impact it would have on our family.   

My husband and I are both cleaners.   We don’t earn much normally, so when I had to stop work for six weeks when I was on medical leave with no pay, money was very tight.   The doctor told me I shouldn’t put weight on my foot and advised me to wear an aircast boot and special tubular bandage to relieve the swelling in my ankle.   This would help my foot heal faster but they cost $210. My husband’s income only just covered our daily living expenses so this was beyond our budget.

My husband and I were very worried and stressed initially, but when I heard that I could get help from the SKH Better Health Fund to pay for the items, we were so relieved!   It may not be a very big sum of money to many people, but to us, it was a huge help. It literally put me back on my feet again! I was able to do my physiotherapy sessions to help my foot recover and also be independent at home so my husband didn't need to stop work to look after me.

My foot healed well and six weeks after my fall, I was able to go back to work. I’m very happy and relieved to be back at work, supporting my family again.”