26/01/2011 LILY Gunapilaka, 72, lost both her legs due to diabetes between 2006 and 2007 and has been on a wheelchair ever since. But her wheelchair now is not in good working condition. Her son, R. Tilaknath, 51, who lives in Larkin, has given up hope of getting his mother a new wheelchair because he can't afford one. Tilaknath, who formerly worked as a security guard, had to give up his job when his mother lost her legs in order to help her around the house. They now live on a monthly stipend of RM300 from the Welfare Department. "Even though I have been saving, the money is only enough to buy us food, pay for my mother's medical bills and her hospital visits," said Tilaknath. But things are looking up. A wheelchair, sponsored by the Johor Baru MIC and the Stulang Indian Cultural Association, was handed over to them at the recent Ponggal celebrations at the Arulmugi Thandayuthapani Temple in Johor Baru. Present to give away the new wheelchair was Johor Baru MP Datuk Seri Utama Shahrir Abdul Samad. Also present was Stulang Laut state assemblyman, Mok Chek Hou and Johor Baru MIC division head, Datuk S. Balakrishnan. "I am very happy to be able to realise my dreams of getting my mother a new wheelchair. I am thankful to those who helped us in our plight," said Tilaknath.
