ARRIVAL LOUNGE
FINDING A PURPOSE IN LIFE
In September 2019, everything changed for Jerald Moraes.
By LOVINA D’SOUZA
Life has a way of testing us in unexpected ways. Yet, it’s how we rise from the challenges we encounter on our life journey that shapes our lives.
Jerald Moraes, known as Jerry among family and friends, is a shining example of that grace. A friendly and generous gentleman, he is often seen on his electric scooter at Indian-Mangalorean community events across the Greater Toronto Area.
His journey began in Bajpe, in the charming coastal city of Mangalore, India. Born in 1967, the youngest of eight siblings, he grew up with strong family values. With ambition and a desire to build a better future, he moved to Mumbai and later to Dubai to pursue his education and career.
“I got married to Anita in 1996 and together we were blessed with our son, Aaron, followed by our daughter, Jenita,” he shares.
But his adventure did not stop there. In 2005, seeking better opportunities and a brighter future for his family, he made a move to Canada. “We settled in Mississauga,” he says, “and I worked for several major production companies such as Novartis, Kraft and Bunge.”
Life seemed to be moving steadily and meaningfully until September 2019, when everything changed. In a sudden and life-altering turn, Moraes was diagnosed with viral meningitis, a life-threatening condition that severely affected his spinal cord and nerves. He was left in a critical condition, fighting for his life. For about a year, he endured long hospital stays spending a significant time in the ICU, undergoing rigorous rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Even today, Moraes continues to receive ongoing treatment to manage his condition.
“Currently, my only means of mobility is a powered wheelchair,” he says. “I need assistance to sit on it and get off it. Otherwise, I am mostly confined to a medical bed. I am unable to function on my own waist down.”
His words reflect both the weight of his struggles, and also reveal his strength in facing them.
With deep love and support from his wife Anita and family, Jerald Moraes continues to attend community events and enjoy life.
Despite his challenges, Moraes remains enthusiastic and determined to live a meaningful life. With deep love and support from his wife Anita and family, he continues to attend community events and enjoy life. Anita plays a central role in assisting him with his daily tasks and provides emotional strength. He also receives assistance from personal support workers.
He says, “To stay engaged, I supply spice powders commonly used in Mangalorean cooking. It keeps my mind occupied and helps me stay connected with others. It makes my days go by and aids my mental well-being.”
His goal is for people to be connected to their roots. “I want all Indians, especially those of the Mangalorean community to keep our traditional cooking alive. By making masalas easily available, I’m offering a taste of home to those living away from India. My hope is that these authentic masalas and recipes continue to stay on for present and future generations to enjoy home food and appreciate culture and traditions.”
Moraes’s story is a reminder that no matter what obstacles life throws our way, we’ve got to find the courage and strength to rise above them.
Through his determination, action and loving support from his family, he has proven that we can still turn our trials into triumphs and live life to the fullest with purpose and joy.
• If you’d like to share the story of your arrival in Canada, please write to desinews@rogers.com or call 416-695-4357.