KUALA LUMPUR: Joy and happiness are among the expressions of relief visible on the faces of parents as they witness their beloved little ones growing healthier and larger like other children.
This is because the fate of these 10 young children has changed after undergoing treatments and heart surgeries, thanks to the assistance of the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund, which was obtained from public donations and corporate bodies.
Media Prima Bhd today celebrated 10 children, previously featured in the New Straits Times, Berita Harian, and Harian Metro, who had undergone immediate life-saving treatments and surgeries at health facilities.
The mother of one of the patients, Lim Siew Lee, 43, said her daughter Catherine Teng Kai Xuan, 6, was recovering well after her surgery last November.
Teng, the youngest of three siblings, suffered multiple complications from congenital heart disease.
"A few days after my daughter was born, the doctor issued a letter stating that Teng's oxygen level was low and told them to bring her for a checkup.
"She was then referred to a heart specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, and we were advised that she should undergo immediate surgery.
"Now she is in kindergarten and has become more active. However, doctors have advised her not to join any form of sports activities (during recovery)," she told the New Straits Times.
Lim's husband, Teng Kok Chin, 42, a car painter, is the sole breadwinner of the family after she quit her job to provide full attention to her daughter.
Lim said she now constantly monitored her daughter's blood pressure and diet to ensure her recovery was not disrupted.
"I would like to thank Media Prima for the assistance provided because as a mother, I only wish for my daughter to grow up healthily."
The programme, in conjunction with World Heart Day on Sept 29, is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of heart care by celebrating children who suffered from heart complications and have successfully received treatment from their facilities.
Meanwhile, Che Muhamad Azri Che Noordin, 27, and wife Syafiqah Walmasri, 24, are grieving over their daughter's medical condition in addition to the premature death of a newborn child.
Their infant daughter, Che Nur Ayesha Inara was suffering from a critical congenital heart disease known as dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA).
According to the American-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, d-TGA is a birth defect of the heart, in which the two main arteries carrying blood out of the heart — the pulmonary artery and the aorta — are switched in position, or "transposed".
Syafiqah said Inara had recovered greatly after her treatment last November as she could now move around without having to gasp for air.
"We still bring her for her check ups depending on her condition. The doctors have advised that she avoid inhaling smoke.
"But her health has improved and there is no need for any more operations. So we would like to extend our gratitude to Media Prima and the hospital for their assistance."
Another heart patient Vinveera Rao Veeran, 5, was diagnosed at birth with a ventricular septal defect, commonly known as a hole in the heart.
His mother Manemekhalah Kannamoothy, 34, said the doctors discovered a 0.3cm hole in the wall of his heart
"Immediate surgery was required to fix the defect because any delay would worsen his heart condition and cause high pressure in the lungs.
"He is recovering well like other children and we are very grateful to see him grow."
Those who wish to help can channel their donation to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund through our Muamalat Bank Account 1401 0008 8427 18 or Maybank Account 5141 0532 3170.
For further inquiries, contact the Group Corporate Communications Department, Media Prima Berhad; Farris Effendy at farris.salim@mediaprima.com.my / 013-318 1269 or Muhammad Syafiq at syafiq.idham@mediaprima.com.my / 013-380 7675.