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Urgent Appeal! A 5-month-old baby girl suffers from a heart defect. Her life is in jeopardy. We humbly request everyone to donate RM50,000 for life-saving surgery.
Case No. 1758: Baby Loh Zi Ning has a 0.8mm hole in her heart, which can lead to oxygen deficiency at any moment, and she urgently needs heart surgery to close the hole. Due to the parents’ inability to afford the high surgery costs, they are seeking help from compassionate individuals to save their daughter’s life.
Loh Zi Ning has to breathe forcefully to intake enough oxygen to sustain her life, causing noticeable fluctuations on both sides of her abdomen, which is a cause for great concern. The doctor has specifically instructed her mother not to let the baby cry or become emotionally excited, as this can worsen the baby’s breathing difficulties, and her hands and feet could turn purple due to a lack of oxygen. If the situation does not improve promptly, it could be life-threatening.
Mother Ding Pet Pet shared that she is almost constantly by her daughter’s side to ensure her safety. Even cooking becomes challenging as she cannot take her eyes off her daughter for too long because she is worried that her daughter will cry, leading to a lack of oxygen. She frequently touches her daughter’s heart because of how anxious and worried she is. Therefore, aside from necessary household chores, the mother has to be fully attentive to her daughter, holding her for as long as she can.
At over 5 months old, Zi Ning’s milk intake has not increased, and she has been vomiting during feedings for the past two to three months. She has not been gaining weight and has had trouble sleeping, causing great concern to her mother. The mother mentioned that Zi Ning often gets fussy during feedings because the increased strain on her heart makes her breathless, which is very distressing. Seeing her baby suffer, the mother sheds tears of sorrow.
Zi Ning appeared to have no issues at birth. It wasn’t until one week after birth, during a follow-up appointment, that the doctor noticed irregular heartbeats and a murmur. Immediate, detailed examinations led to the unfortunate diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect (VSD), commonly known as a 0.8-mm heart hole. This condition makes it harder for the baby to breathe than a normal infant and increases the risk of oxygen deficiency, turning her hands, feet, and lips purple. Discovering that their daughter had congenital heart disease left the parents feeling helpless and devastated.
Ding Pet Pet is a housewife responsible for taking care of three children. In addition to Zi Ning, she has two older brothers, aged 15 and 14, who are still in school. The family of five relies solely on the income of their father, Loh Yoke Wei, who works as a construction worker in Singapore. His income is limited, and he cannot afford the substantial surgery costs. They live in Johor Bahru.
With the father working away from home, his heart remains with his family. He rides his motorcycle across the causeway every day to check on his children and support his hardworking wife. Loh Yoke Wei told social workers that he feels sorry for his wife, and all he wants now is for his daughter to get better as soon as possible.
Our social workers visited their home and found Zi Ning in her mother’s arms, looking happy and adorable. It’s heartbreaking to see her facing such a severe illness.
Ding Pet Pet and her husband desperately want their daughter to undergo heart surgery soon, recover quickly, and grow up healthy and safe, just like any other ordinary child. Due to the exorbitant surgery costs, they have turned to Da Ai for help, entrusting us to raise the funds needed for their daughter’s surgery.
We have initiated a crowdfunding campaign and hope to receive support from compassionate individuals nationwide. Please join us in saving the life of this adorable baby. We also kindly request that you share this message so that more enthusiastic individuals can come forward to assist. Thank you.
【Update- 14 November 2023】
Thankful for the generous donations totaling 50,000 Malaysian Ringgit from kind-hearted individuals nationwide, covering the surgical expenses for 5-month-old baby girl, Luo Zi Ning. The funds were used for a successful heart closure surgery. With the crowdfunding goal achieved, donations have been stopped. Grateful.
Our charity organization has arranged for Zi Ning’s successful surgery, and our social workers visited the hospital, bringing small gifts to her. The baby can now return home and reunite with her family. We wish her a happy and healthy future.
The parents, Ding Pet Pet and Loh Yoke Wei, express profound gratitude to the generous donors who extended a helping hand to save their daughter’s life. Thank you!
Zi Ning had a 0.8mm heart defect, a condition that could lead to oxygen deprivation at any time. The crowdfunding appeal garnered nationwide attention and support, touching the hearts of many. Saving a life is immeasurable merit. Blessings to all kind-hearted individuals for good health, happiness, and everyday joy.
Before the surgery, baby Luo Zi Ning struggled to breathe due to the heart condition, causing visible fluctuations on both sides of her abdomen. It was a worrisome sight. Doctors emphasized the importance of preventing the baby from crying or getting overly emotional, as it could worsen her breathing difficulties. The mother, Ding Pet Pet, remained by her daughter’s side almost every minute to ensure her safety, even making cooking a challenging task as her attention couldn’t stray for too long.
