IPOH: For years, he was the family’s sole breadwinner.
But technician A. Jude Francis had to stop work in 2014 due to some mobility issues, and he became bedridden after an operation on his intestine last year.
His health challenges began in 2001 when he started feeling unwell.
“I was still working then, but in 2013, I felt unwell in my stomach, which further affected my mobility and I had to stop working.
“The doctors told me that there was an infection in my intestines and prescribed some medicines,” he said.
But last year, his stomach started to bloat.
“A scan showed that there was a hole in my intestines and surgery had to be performed,” he added.
Jude Francis, 44, said he was supposed to have another operation this year to “reconnect” his intestines, but it could not be done due to his weight.
“I was about 120kg back then and the doctor had told me to bring my weight to below 100kg.
“As I could not exercise, the process to lose weight was a bit slow and I could only do so by watching my diet,” he said, adding that he currently weighs about 103kg.
For now, he is a registered disability card holder.
He is, however, still without a source of income since he is unable to work.
“I need money to pay for household expenses, food, my two children’s education needs, medicines and a colostomy bag, which is quite expensive,” he said, adding that he requires about RM600 every month.
“My 64-year-old mother washes dishes at a restaurant and gets about RM20 a day to help buy food.”
His Indonesian wife is unable to take on regular jobs as she has to look after him, besides sending their children, aged eight and nine, to school.
“She basically takes care of almost everything at home,” he shared during a visit by AJ Kinta Perak Community Welfare Association president Roslan Ali at his home in Taman Mas Jaya here on Tuesday.
Roslan said he hoped the public could offer a helping hand.
“I think it will take some time before he can get back on his feet.
“Those who wish to visit and make donations to Jude Francis, I can bring them to his home,” said Roslan, who can be contacted at 016-542 0758.