PB is an 8-year-old boy who became a palliative care patient during Cyclone Freddy, following a devastating and life-altering incident. During the storm, a refrigerator collapsed on his legs, trapping him for approximately 48 hours before he was discovered. Unfortunately, the severity of the crush injuries, compounded by the delay in receiving medical attention, led to the traumatic amputation of both legs.

‍

Since that time, PB has endured immense physical and emotional challenges as he adapts to life without his lower limbs. He now requires round-the-clock assistance for all his mobility and daily needs, care which is provided almost entirely by his mother. Her full-time role as his caregiver has left her unable to work or pursue any form of income-generating activity. As a result, the family struggles to meet even their most basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter.

There is an urgent and compelling need to empower PB’s mother economically. Supporting her with start-up capital to launch a small business would not only allow her to earn a sustainable income, but also restore a sense of dignity and stability to the household. This financial empowerment would improve the family’s living conditions, reduce their dependency on external aid, and allow the mother to provide better care for PB without the constant pressure of financial insecurity.

Moreover, helping the family achieve a degree of financial independence would also ease the burden on the already overstretched palliative care team, which currently provides both medical and social support due to the family's high level of need. A modest investment in this family’s future could yield transformative results — offering hope, resilience, and renewed purpose in the wake of a deeply traumatic experience.