Through thick and thin: Lucia (inset) giving a cup of water to Vitus at their home in Kampung Kibambangan, Penampang in Sabah.
KOTA KINABALU: Despite her calm demeanour, Lucia Guiyat has a heavy burden caring for her disabled brother Vitus.
Both of them live in a tiny house in Kampung Kibambangan, Penampang.
Lucia seldom leaves the village as she has to look after Vitus after their parents passed away many years ago.
Vitus, 50, who is physically and mentally disabled, was born with a neurological condition that causes his body to be twisted in an uncomfortable position, resulting in a severely underdeveloped lower torso with small, thin and almost immobile legs.
Vitus can only lie on his belly, with his legs tucked under and his head turned to one side.
According to Lucia, this is the most comfortable position for him.
Lucia, who has 10 siblings, wakes up as early as 5am daily to attend to Vitus’ needs: checking if his diapers need changing, cleaning him if he is awake and ensuring he is comfortable.
When the donated diapers run out, Vitus has to go without.
She then prepares food and water for the family, usually just a simple meal of plain water and porridge, as food is scarce.
She then washes their clothes and sweeps the cement floor, among other chores.
Asked if she felt unhappy, tired or stressed from these duties, the single woman simply shook her head, smiled and said “no”.
Besides Vitus, she also cares for four other adult siblings who are believed to have some form of mental disability.
Her elder brother is well, while three other siblings – a brother and two sisters – are married with families of their own.
Another brother, however, has a habit of disappearing into the jungle for days or even weeks, only to return briefly before leaving again.
Lucia, who is jobless, relies on donations from villagers, the nearby sundry shop and the church for food and other essentials.
Her elder brother, who taps rubber nearby, receives some payment every few months, but even that is barely enough to feed them and buy essential items, especially diapers for Vitus.
Vitus’ condition has drawn the attention of Parti Warisan vice- president Terrence Siambun and Sabah STAR vice-president Datuk Kenny Chua.
Generous individuals have also come forward to provide food and diapers for the family.
A church volunteer, Maureen Roger Mosuyun, who frequently visits the family and helps deliver donated food items from Caritas Kota Kinabalu, a Catholic NGO, hopes that the family’s plight will reach a wider audience.
Anyone who wishes to help can contact Maureen at 016-801 8861 for more information.
