Sadly, he has since weathered a series of hardships. While working as a Grab rider, Nathan – who has diabetes – developed a wound on the sole of his left foot that became infected, leading to the amputation of two toes.

Not long after, he lost vision in his left eye. He later developed another wound on his right foot, which led to the amputation of his right toe. And earlier this year, he broke his leg.

With delivery work no longer possible, he turned to selling durians and was moved by the kindness of those who supported his business.

Now, life has dealt him yet another blow, leaving him unable to work and in need of the public’s support.

Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Nathan said his new troubles began when an infection from a boil spread to his lungs and leg. He ended up spending over 10 days in the hospital, undergoing four surgeries to clean the infection.

He even spent two days in the intensive care unit when his blood pressure dropped dangerously low.

Although he is now back at home, Nathan is unable to walk as his legs are weak. His left foot is bandaged due to an infection where his toes used to be, which also results in him experiencing fevers.

“I can’t move around without help. I also have to get my dressing changed every day as I have wounds on the sole of my feet and my back,” said Nathan, who has to pay someone to take him to the clinic daily.

As the wound on his back is especially severe, to prevent further infection, he needs to use a stoma bag to remove body waste.

Nathan’s 62-year-old mother, who lives with him, helps with the changing of the stoma bag every other day. She suffers from diabetes, knee problems and high blood pressure.

“I am trying to recover quickly to help my mother. At this age, I should be the one taking care of her. But now she is taking care of me.

“So, I have to recover as soon as possible,” said Nathan, who shared that doctors have estimated it may take six months to a year for him to fully recover.

Unable to work, he now needs financial support to cover his monthly expenses of about RM13,000. This includes the cost of wound dressings, daily transportation to the clinic, stoma bags, medical supplies, medications for him and his mother, nutritional formula, food, rent, as well as car and motorcycle instalments.

He has reached out to the Purple Heart Movement, an initiative that supports those facing medical challenges and in need of financial aid. With their help, Nathan shared that he received RM15,000 in donations, along with an additional RM3,000 from other contributors.

“I’m really very thankful to Malaysians. They are really very kind,” said Nathan gratefully.

Still, much more is needed to help him and his mother through this difficult time. Thankfully, the Suriana Welfare Society – a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities, among others – has stepped in to assist them.

Founder James Nayagam said: “Having spent time with Nathan, he needs urgent help, especially medical assistance. We are looking at short- and long-term help for the family.

“My team and I are working towards despatching immediate aid to him and his mother. We are hoping the public can support Nathan and that he will be able to recover from all his illnesses.”

If you wish to help, please bank in your contributions to Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia, Maybank account 5123 6150 5370, with the reference ‘Nathan’. All cash donations are tax-exempt.

For in-kind donations (stoma bags, Appeton Wellness Recovery nutritional formula), kindly contact 012-211 4444 (Rachel Ho), 017-755 8022 (Ashley Gunaratne) or 1300-88-2200.

Learn more about Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia here.