KUALA LUMPUR: Congenital heart defect survivor On Carie is living life to the fullest and eager to receive her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results next month.
The 18-year-old was born with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect and a single ventricle.
She has had four operations since 2001 and recovered fully in 2016.
“I am so thankful to God, especially, and to the doctors who treated me so well to make sure that I am alive till today.
“If it were not for them, I would not have been able to sit for the SPM examination last year.
“I cannot wait to get my results next month and I cannot wait to study in university. I am so thankful to the doctors, my mother who was there for me and the donors,” she said at the Celebrating Heart Heroes celebration in conjunction with A-Heart-for-A-Heart programme at Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur here.
On’s mother, Yong Sing Me, 47, was all smiles at the programme. She also thanked the hospital and donors for their assistance through the years.
Another congenital heart defect survivor, Nur Qhaira Adira, 1, was playing with other children at the programme.
Her mother, Nur Ashura Natasha Hassan, 22, said: “If it were not for these kind-hearted people; the doctors, nurses and donors, my daughter most probably would not be alive today.
“I was so heartbroken when I found out that she had that disease. My husband and I didn’t know what to do until the hospital gave us advice and assisted us throughout our daughter’s surgery and recovery process.
“My husband and I are very thankful for the endless help from everyone,” said the housewife.
The programme was launched by Gleneagles KL in 1996. Some 25 survivors and their parents were at the programme.
The programme provides free paediatric cardiac care to patients from underprivileged families.
Gleneagles KL chief executive officer Hoo Ling Lee said as of this year, the hospital has treated more than 1,300 patients since the programme was inaugurated and 52 children have received free treatment at the hospital as of last year.
“We have a commitment to making a difference in the communities around us. Our mission is demonstrated by the numerous children whose quality of life improved having accessed the expertise and services of our dedicated healthcare team,” she said.