Employer aims to raise $50k for domestic helper with kidney failure

Employer aims to raise $50k for domestic helper with kidney failure

She is a dear friend to her employer and treats her employer's daughter like she is her own, but Indonesian domestic helper Ms Dasiyati is now fighting for her life.

The 35-year-old, who is affectionately known as Yati to her employer Ms Tammie Too and her family, is suffering from kidney failure.

Yati only found out about her condition when she returned on Jan 9 after a two-week break in her hometown of Semarang in Indonesia.

Shortly after she returned to Singapore, she began experiencing water retention and had blood in her urine.

Further tests at Changi General Hospital confirmed that Yati's kidneys were only functioning at 10 per cent. Yati now needs dialysis and is awaiting a kidney transplant.

Yati and Ms Too with Ms Too's two-year-old daughter DaviniaPhoto: GIVEasia/Tammie Too

Worried about her plight and finances to pay for her treatment, Ms Too, a manager, took to online fundraising platform GIVEasia to raise $50,000 for Yati.

A total of 190 people have responded to the 40-year-old's undated post, which has collected about $25,800 to date.

Speaking to AsiaOne in a phone interview today (Jan 23), Ms Too said that she was on her way to the airport to accompany Yati to Semarang, where she is eligible for subisides for her treatment costs.

"I want to make sure she's ok," she said.

Medication prescribed by the doctor. 
Photo: GIVEasia/Tammie Too

Yati had worked for Ms Too's family for the past two years and recently renewed her contract. 

Yati has a 17-year-old school-going daughter and a husband who struggles to find work. According to Ms Too, he occasionally sells fruits to earn money for the family.

In her post on GIVEasia, Ms Too said: "My family and I will be giving her money to start something that can help them to sustain their livelihood. We are (hoping for) the best outcome for her."

Doctor's report from CGHPhoto: GIVEasia/Tammie Too

Ms Too, who has a two-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son, also called for the public's help in notifying her of any hospitals in Semarang where Yati can seek treatment.

"No matter the level of our economic status, I believe every individual deserves proper medical treatment and a chance in life. I appreciate any amount donated to her," she said.

stephluo@sph.com.sg

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