Bill (third left) hands over Pedas’ donation to Julia witnessed by Collin (fourth right) and other Pedas members in front of Mayvin (on the floor).
MIRI: Sarawak Dayak Association (Pedas) is amazed by the determination of a single mother Julia Lingoh who has been taking care of her disabled eldest son since 18 years ago.
A group of Pedas members visited the family at their home in Rumah Raymond Dalang, Jalan Entabai in Julau recently. They were received warmly by Julia and her disabled 21-year-old son Mayvin Philip.
According to Julia, 43, her son was born normal and healthy until he suffered from a mysterious illness when he was three years old.
“When the mysterious illness first came, he could not stop crying and became very sick. One day, he cried until he passed out, and when he regained consciousness, he became like this. Mayvin could not talk but he understands when we talk to him,” she said, adding that the illness left Mayvin paralysed and bedridden. He could only eat or drink with help from his mother.
Julia said she had tried various ways to treat her disabled child but had been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Pedas president, Major (R) Collin Imran said the association was amazed with Julia’s determination and strength in raising Mayvin along with two other younger children, all by herself, after she separated from her husband several years ago. She does a little farming to support the family.
According to Collin, Julia received a monthly RM300 (OKU) assistance from the Welfare Department, which was insufficient to cover the cost of Mayvin’s diapers which had to be changed twice daily.
“The burden is too heavy for her, especially with the rising cost of living,” said Collin. He thus urged members of the public to donate in cash and kind to help Julia and her family by contacting him at 013-5781804.
During the visit to Julia’s house, Pedas presented the family with a cash donation to help lessen their burden. The donation was handed over by Pedas central committee secretary Bill Kayong.