KUALA LUMPUR: Parents of a one-month-old baby who was diagnosed with a heart defect are desperately seeking to raise RM40,000 from the public for him to undergo a heart operation.
Awang Afiq Rayyan has coarctation of the aorta – a narrowing of the aorta – which needs to be repaired. Otherwise, chances of him surviving are very slim.
Afiq who is from Kuching, Sarawak, is now in the intensive care unit of Gleneagles Hospital in Ampang.
The baby’s mother, Ractna Seridewie Binti Rahmat, 22, said her one wish was for her son to undergo the operation as soon as possible.
“Two days after my son was born in Sarawak General Hospital, bloody phlegm came out from his mouth when he was in the incubator.
“He was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit and has been given oxygen support until now,” said Ractna.
Afiq was then referred to Gleneagles Hospital.
“It is really sad to see my baby being poked by needles and tubes like this.
“I really hope he will recover soon as I can’t wait to bring him back home and hold him,” added Ractna with tears in her eyes.
Ractna is a full-time housewife while her husband works as a fisherman and earns around RM500 a month.
Although still in her confinement period, Ractna made the choice to travel here to be with her newborn.
Donors or well-wishers who wish to donate may send cheques made payable to Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund with the name of the patient written on the reverse and address it to: The Group Corporate Communications Department, Media Prima Berhad, Level 1, Anjung Riong, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Donations can also be made via cash deposit to Maybank account (5141-0532-3170).