KUALA LUMPUR: They say a mother’s love knows no bounds. The same, however, can be applied to fathers as well.
Arwinsamshah Samsudin, 30, was a cargo supervisor for a company in Port Klang. However, he was suspended from his job after taking too much time off to care for his daughter, who suffers from a hole in the heart.
And now, unable to work, he faces the monumental task of raising RM50,000 to fund her surgery.
His three-month-old daughter Rayqisha Nur Jannah, was born with a seven millimetre hole in her heart.
The parents only discovered their child’s condition when they found out that she did not take to breastfeeding like normal babies.
Arwinsamshah said his daughter would choke each time she was breast-fed.
“We were worried and took her to the clinic. However, the doctors said there was nothing wrong with her,” he said.
Still worried, the parents then took Rayqisha to the hospital. Only then did they learn the bad news, that she suffered from a heart defect.
Rayqisha’s mother, Nurul Ain Nabilah Ismail, 18, was stunned when she learnt the news.
“It breaks my heart to see her suffer. She was intubated and has to drink through a tube.
“The tube also has to be replaced every two weeks and she is in immense pain each time the tube is changed,” said the housewife.
She and her husband were also distressed as each time their daughter cries, her face and lips would turn blue.
Doctors have told the couple that they need RM50,000 for surgery to close the hole in her heart.
“The doctors said that failure to do so will see her condition worsen and lead to irreversible damage to her lungs.
“Her lifespan will also be shortened,” she said.
The couple are hoping that kind-hearted Malaysians will lend a hand for their daughter’s operation.
“It’s our biggest fear, not being able to help our daughter. We are praying that we can get the money for her to perform her surgery.
“All we want is for her to be able to lead a normal life like other children,” she said.
Rayqisha is scheduled to undergo surgery at Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur. Those who wish to donate can send cheques made payable to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund with the patient’s name written on the reverse side of the cheque and addressed to: The Group Corporate Communications Department, Media Prima Berhad, Level1, Anjung Riong, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
The public may also donate via cash deposit to Maybank account (5141-0532-3170).