KUALA LUMPUR: For Iqbal Thaqif Jufri, 7, and his brother Athuf Haidar, 4, their world was filled with joy when they welcomed their sister into the world on Aug 8.
Their mother, Nur Azirah Maksit, 32, said the boys had wanted a sister for a long time and were elated when Eshal Imani was born.
However, their joy was short lived when she was soon diagnosed with multiple heart defects just days into her birth.
"They only met their sister for the first three days after she was born, but they were so excited to finally have a sister.
"Iqbal told his classmates he was finally getting a sister, having been envious of others with sisters before this," said Nur Azirah.
When the boys learned of Eshal's health challenges, they wondered why she was sick after such a brief introduction to her.
Now, their only means of communication with her is through video calls.
Eshal Imani was diagnosed with multiple heart defects — Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) — after being admitted to hospital twice for neonatal jaundice on the fifth and eighth days of her life.
Her diagnosis came after her parents noticed her rapid, laboured breathing and a curved chest upon her second admission.
Eshal's heart condition is severe, with a 6mm hole for the VSD, a 3.4mm hole for the ASD, and an extra blood vessel for PDA measuring 3mm.
These defects are causing her heart failure and elevated lung pressure.
Nur Azirah said her pregnancy and birth were without complications, as Eshal was born at 38 weeks, weighing 2.89kg.
However, during breastfeeding, Eshal would tire easily, worrying her parents.
"When she was transferred from the Sipitang Hospital to the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital in Likas, she required a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to help her oxygen intake.
"At the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital NICU, tests confirmed she had holes in her heart and the PDA," said Nur Azirah.
Tears filled her eyes as she recounted the disbelief of learning that her newborn had such serious health issues.
Eshal was later moved to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, where she spent 40 days and intubated three times due to her rapid breathing and infections.
Just before a flight to Gleneagles Hospital, Ampang, she was intubated yet again.
Eshal's father, Jufri Jasuin, 32, an assistant medical officer said doctors told them that surgery is her only option.
He said he has a similar condition, but his VSD is small enough to avoid surgery. His siblings also have ASD, albeit with smaller holes.
Surgery for Eshal's VSD and ASD closure and PDA ligation will cost the family RM50,000, which they do not have.
The couple are appealing for members of the public to donate and give their daughter a chance at a normal life.
"We only want Eshal to grow up like other little girls, not dependent on machines and wires.
"We can't even buy her clothes out of fear that the wires won't fit."
"So many people are waiting for her to come home. I long to hold her again; the last time I did so was at Queen Hospital," said Nur Azirah.
Those who wish to help the family can send cheques made payable to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund to the Group Corporate Communications Department, Media Prima Bhd, Level 1, Anjung Riong, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, with the patient's name written on the reverse side of the cheque.
The public may donate to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund through the Bank Muamalat account number 1401 0008 8427 18 or Maybank 5141 0532 3170.
Donations to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund are tax-deductible.