Single mother sells pineapple tarts to pay for son's cancer treatment
To pay for her son's medical fees, a single mother has turned to selling homemade pineapple tarts.
Ms Liu Chun Yue (Hanyu Pinyin name) quit her job last year to care for her six-year-old son after he was diagnosed with Wilm's tumour (a rare type of kidney cancer) in October.
To cope with the medical fees and make ends meet, Shin Min Daily News reported that she started making and selling biscuits in December.
As Chinese New Year is approaching, she switched to making pineapple tarts.
The 27-year-old woman, who has separated from her husband and is in the middle of divorce proceedings, has two other sons, ages seven and 11.
Her estranged spouse is jobless and recently had a major operation.
He does not contribute financially to the children's upkeep, the Chinese daily added.
Overwhelming response
Ms Liu has been selling the pineapple tarts at $32 for a container with 50 pieces.
She said:
"I have to care for my son 24 hours a day, so I can't get a job.
"To earn some money, I started making pineapple tarts."
Since Shin Min Daily News reported on her plight, the public response has been overwhelming.
Ms Liu has received orders for around 200 containers of pineapple tarts.
Marine Parade MP Tin Pei Ling told the paper on Monday that she was concerned after hearing about the woman's plight.
She said she will learn more about the family's situation before discussing how to offer them assistance.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now