Families appeal for help

2009/11/02

GEORGE TOWN: Four families are appealing for help to pay for the cost of surgery for their children at the Gleaneagles Medical Centre here.

Three-year-old Lim Xin Yi requires heart surgery for a ventricular septal defect, costing about RM30,000.

Her father Lim Chin Siang, 36, a sub-contractor dealing with plastic products in Sungai Petani, earns only RM2,000 a month and cannot afford to pay for her surgery.

In the second case, 15-month-old Teoh Xuan Tung requires heart surgery costing about RM20,000.

Her father Teoh Chai Lai, 43, who sells ice-cream in Butterworth, earns RM1,000 per month. He too cannot afford the surgical fee.

"I can only contribute RM5,000 towards my daughter's surgery.

"With such meagre income, I simply cannot raise the entire amount for the surgery," he said.

Meanwhile, three-month-old Nur Safirah Dziyauddin suffers from a complex congenital heart disease. She needs about RM40,000 for the surgery.

Her father Dziyauddin Baharom, 38, is an odd-job worker in Kedah and earns RM1,000 monthly.

Three-month-old Nirnasha Sharavaanam needs an urgent operation to correct three cardiac defects.

The surgery costs about RM45,000.

Her father Sharavaanam Yahamaram, 32, is a contract worker working for a electrical wiring company in Penang and earns about RM1,300 per month while her mother, Usha Letchumanan, 33, is a housewife.

Those who wish to help these children can send cheques made payable to the New Straits Times (M) Sdn Bhd with the child's name written on the reverse to the Cashier/Charity Unit, The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, Balai Berita, 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.