JOHOR BARU: Life has been hard for 40-year-old Norazifa Othman but it got a lot worse after she suffered a stroke less than a month ago.
Since then, Norazifa, a masseuse, has not been able to work or look after her disabled five-year-old son.
Her husband, Mohd Fauzi Haron, a delivery rider, has taken over looking after their son, Muhammad Farhan Imran Mohd Fauzi, full-time.
As a result, the couple are running out of money.
"Our food supplies ran out two days ago and I had to pawn my mobile phone for RM80 to buy food supplies," said Norazifa, whose vision and movements have been affected by the stroke.
She said she has high blood pressure, which she believes stems from a lack of rest and a balanced diet.
"Before this, my husband would help me look after our son while I worked.
"The money I earned helped reduce my family's burden, while the RM1,000 cash aid from the Johor Islamic Religious Council and Welfare Department is spent on my son's needs, including medicines and diapers."
Norazifa and Fauzi's eldest child, Fatin Nur Azwani, 16, studies at the Mara Junior Science College in Masai.
Their second child, Muhammad Faiz Irfan, who suffered from cerebral palsy, died from Covid-19 three years ago,
"I did not think we could be so unfortunate to the point I cannot look after Farhan. Now my husband has to look after both of us."
She said doctors have informed her that she has a blood clot in her brain and is at risk of suffering a second stroke.
Norazifa said she did not have enough money for her daughter's expenses in Masai but said Fatin understood their situation.
"My heart aches thinking about her. I hope to be better soon so I can get back to work," said Norazifa who stays at a People's Housing Project in Taman Perling.
Those who wish to help Norazifa can call 017 364 6326. Donations can also be channelled to her Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) account - 0113541100018447.