KUALA LUMPUR: Eleven-year-old Amar Fikri Daud from Kuala Kubu Baru appears like any other cheerful and active child.
But behind his bright smile, Amar has been fighting a congenital heart condition since birth.
He has been battling a ventricular septal defect and infundibular stenosis, both of which now require corrective open-heart surgery at the National Heart Institute (IJN).
His mother, Fauziah Mohamad, 51, said doctors had recently advised that Amar undergo ventricular septal defect closure surgery and an infundibular resection to remove abnormal tissue growing near his heart.
“The surgery and recovery are expected to cost between RM50,000 and RM55,000. When we heard the figure, we knew immediately we could not afford it.
“Our household income is less than RM2,000 a month,” she said.
Amar’s father, Daud Muhamad, 56, works as a night market trader, earning between RM1,500 and RM2,000 a month. The couple has seven children.
Fauziah said Amar was diagnosed with two holes in his heart at birth and has been receiving treatment at IJN since being referred from Slim River Hospital.
“During a routine check-up this year, we were told one hole had closed on its own, but another still requires surgery. The doctor also warned us not to delay, as the tissue near his heart valves could compress them and lead to severe complications,” she said.
Despite his condition, Amar remains active at school, often participating in sports.
“However, he pants a lot and tires easily compared with his friends. To us, he feels like a ticking time bomb.
“I constantly worry whenever he plays on the field, but thankfully nothing serious has happened so far,” Fauziah said.
The family has since been referred to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund for financial assistance.
“We really hope generous Malaysians will step forward to help our son undergo this surgery and live a normal life like other children,” she said.
Those who wish to help Amar can send cheques made payable to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund to the Group Corporate Communications Department, Media Prima Bhd, Level 5, Anjung Riong, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Donors should write the patient’s name on the reverse side of the cheque.
Contributions can also be made directly to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund via Bank Muamalat account number 1401 0008 8427 18 or Maybank account number 5141 0532 3170.
All donations to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund are tax exempt.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
