A Singaporean and his family are planning on raising tens of thousands of dollars or more in funds to help pay the medical treatment of their domestic helper left incapacitated by a mystery illness.

According to the man, who wished to be known only as Ibrohim and is leading the fundraising, his 33-year-old Indonesian domestic helper, named Siti Sariyah bte Murbaksari, started working for the family in 2018.

She had been "diligent, honest and kind", and took great care of his mother and the household.

Siti herself has two young children, aged four and nine, who live in Indonesia with her husband.

Continuous seizures

Unfortunately on Feb. 7, 2020, Siti fainted and had seizures.

She was brought to Ng Teng Fong Hospital, but continued having "recurring seizures" daily, and has been kept under close observation in the Intensive Care Unit.

Siti's doctor suspects an autoimmune brain inflammation, which means that her own immune system is causing problems.

However, the medical staff are still conducting tests to identify the exact cause.

According to Ibrohim, Siti has been on a mechanical ventilator for breathing support, and is "fighting for her life".

Her medical bills have reached over S$105,000 as of March 3, and the family are appealing for support as they want Siti to recover as much as possible before sending her home to Indonesia to recuperate.

Ibrohim added that the doctors have said that the long-term plan is to send Siti back to Indonesia for medical care.

Since a fundraising campaign on Give.Asia was started on March 4, it has already raised S$35,000 from people who were moved by Siti's plight.

According to Ibrohim, other Indonesian helpers are coming together to donate money towards Siti's treatment too, using the old-fashioned method of taking down names in a notebook.

Siti's children and husband are aware of the fundraising efforts, and recorded video messages where they gave thanks to those who donated.

Speaking to Mothership, Ibrohim said he has been "overwhelmed" by the support that Siti has received from the public, and appreciates the "help and kindness" from those who contributed.

All contributions made through the Give.Asia platform will go directly towards paying off the hospital bills.

However, if you wish to contribute towards the cost of the air ambulance to send Siti back to Indonesia, or towards Siti's family when they take care of her in Indonesia, you can visit Ibrohim's Instagram page for more details.

Top image from @ibrokar's Instagram page and Give Asia.