KUALA LUMPUR: Saeef Zafran Hasrul Azmeer has been at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Sunway Medical Centre near here since he was born 55 days ago.
His family is still waiting for the day that he could be discharged and go home.
The infant suffers from congenital hyperthyroidism and a heart condition known as large patent ductus arteriosus. He was also diagnosed with Down syndrome.
His father, Hasrul Azmeer Hamzah, 32, said it was disheartening to see his only child remain at the hospital, unable to experience life at home and rely on an oxygen machine.
He and his wife had learned about their son's health complications immediately after his birth.
Urgent surgery is needed to prevent the deterioration of his heart condition and potential lung complications.
"We are confronting this challenging situation with resilience and hope. We hope that he can undergo surgery soon as his heart condition has become worse.
"Currently, he remains in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and will later be transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)," said Hasrul Azmeer.
While acknowledging his family's financial strain, Hasrul Azmeer, who works as a food delivery rider, said he would appreciate any form of assistance for Saeef.
He said he could not cope with the substantial medical bill due to his and his wife's income as a receptionist.
"I would be very grateful for any help that we can get. Our son is in need of help," he shared.
He said the medical procedures needed for Saeef were estimated at RM50,000. He said the treatments would give a chance for his to lead a normal life.
Donations can be made in the form of a check, with the patient's name indicated on the back, payable to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund.
Contributions can be sent to the Corporate Communication Department of Media Prima Berhad, Level Four, Anjung Riong, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Alternatively, donations can be made through Bank Muamalat (account number 14010008842718) or Maybank (account number 514105323170). Specifying the patient's name in the recipient reference section or providing relevant payment details is essential.
Donations to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund are tax-deductible.