IPOH: One may think that a two-time Sari Queen winner will lead a charming life.

But for S. Lechimy, titles and looks mean nothing when one is stricken by illness and poverty.

Diagnosed with a low platelet count caused by an unknown virus, Lechimy can no longer afford to pursue her life's ambition of becoming a teacher.

Because of her condition, the 22-year-old cannot even work to earn money to pay her medical bills which come up to RM500 every month.

Lechimy, diagnosed with the illness two years ago, has to depend on her 49-year-old widowed mother, S. Rajuspri, to support her medical expenses.
"To compound the problem, my younger sister, too, is suffering from a tumour-like disease.

"She needs RM36,000 to remove nine lumps in her breasts," she said here yesterday.

Lechimy's sister Rani, 19, who is pursuing a nursing course in Kuala Lumpur, faces the risk of developing cancer if she does not remove those lumps.

She developed the condition earlier this year.

"My mother is the sole breadwinner in our house and with a meagre income of RM600, which she earns as a house cleaner, it is difficult for her to sponsor our treatment," said Lechimy, who is pleading for public donation to ease her family's burden.

Lechimy, who was crowned Perak Sari Queen in 2005 and 2006, said she also needed to settle her education loan amounting to RM7,000 taken from the National Higher Education Corporation (PTPTN).

"My mother has been borrowing money from neighbours, friends and families to help pay for medical bills and the PTPTN loan," she said, adding that her father had died 19 years ago.

Those who wish to help Lechimy and her sister, Rani, can call 05-5361890 or Perak Hindraf coordinator S. Vethamoorthi at 019-2725658.