KUALA LUMPUR: For 25-year-old Fasrah, the joy of becoming a mother quickly turned into a nightmare when her first and only child, Nur Khayra, was born prematurely at just 32 weeks.
An emergency caesarean section was necessary due to reduced foetal movement, and Fasrah,who goes by one name, hoped her trials were behind her.
However, just five days after Khayra's birth, a routine clinic follow-up shattered that hope.
During the appointment, doctors discovered a concerning systolic murmur, leading to an echocardiogram that revealed a serious heart defect: atrial septal defect (ASD).
The severity of Khayra's condition is alarming. She has a large hole in her heart measuring 18mm by 24mm, which is causing a left-to-right shunt.
Fasrah, a housewife, and her husband, 26-year-old Saidin Amin, a self-employed manual worker, were devastated.
"There were no signs during my pregnancy or after birth that indicated any heart defects.
"When I learned that my newborn had such a serious issue, I felt utterly devastated and worried," said Fasrah.
The doctors initially advised Fasrah to observe Khayra, with the hope that the hole might close on its own within three years.
Unfortunately, a follow-up echocardiogram in September this year confirmed that the hole remained.
"The doctors told me we had to prepare for surgery," said Fasrah.
Khayra's health took a worrying turn when she experienced a high fever and her first seizure.
"When she had the seizure, that was when I truly panicked," Fasrah said.
Due to her deteriorating condition, Khayra was transferred from Queen Elizabeth II Hospital to Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
"I hope that with the operation, Khayra will breathe better, be more active and have a better appetite," said Fasrah.
Over the past three years, Fasrah noticed an alarming difference in her daughter's appetite compared with other children.
"Khayra would only eat a maximum of five spoonfuls of food, three times a day."
Though Khayra seemed healthy to the untrained eye, she has been battling a life-threatening health challenge that has left her mother deeply concerned for her future.
Now, as Fasrah prepares for the inevitable surgery, she is confronted with the staggering cost of RM50,000.
"I fear that my husband and I won't be able to afford it," she said.
In a heartfelt plea, Fasrah is urging the public to donate in order to help give her daughter a chance at a normal and healthy life.
Those who wish to help the toddler 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.