Boy needs aid for transplant

26/07/2010

JOHOR BARU: A 10-year-old boy suffering from thalassemia since he was one desperately needs a stem cell transplant.

Liew Chon Kong has been undergoing blood transfusions every month at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital since he was four.

Lam Mei Lin, 37, said Chon Kong, the elder of two sons, has been suffering from constant headaches and extreme fatigue since young.

Painful remedy: Chia (left) showing a medical equipment used by Chon Kong while mother Lam looks on yesterday.

“The doctors have said the best option now is to go for the transplant, as frequent blood transfusions put him at risk of an iron overload.

“Such overload can damage his heart and liver,” she told a press conference organised by Johor MCA Public Complaints Bureau chief Chia Song Cheng.

Lam, an administration officer at a factory, added that none of her family members had matching stem cells.

She had spent more than RM28,000 to search for a match via the Sultanah Aminah Hospital as well other hospitals in Singapore, but to no avail.

“I have since consulted a transplant team at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, who has informed us that they have found a match.

“However, the suitable stem cells as well as the transplant cost about RM350,000 and the surgery is scheduled for October,” she said, adding that her husband was an air-conditioning technician.

Lam added that she had managed to collect RM50,000, but needed help from the public to raise the rest of the amount.

“I appeal to the public for their kindness as my son’s life depends on the surgery,” she said.

Chia hoped people could show their kindness to Chon Kong’s family.

Well-wishers can contact the Johor MCA headquarters at 07-2233915; or write to the party state headquarters at Fifth Floor, Bangunan MCA Negri Johor, Jalan Segget, 80,000 Johor Baru.

-Star-

For online bank in, LIEW CHON KONG PUBLIC BANK No: 4-5506004-20

From MCA Johor

28/06/2010

JOHOR BARU: Seven-year-old Low Yong Hau hopes to one day play with his classmates and take part in sports activities in his school.

Such activities are now beyond him. He suffers from Thalassaemia Major.

“I cannot join my friends in physical education classes because I have this disease.

“Taking part in physical activities make me feel tired and then I will fall sick,” he said.

Yong Hau’s father Low Sze Keong, 43, is hoping that generous Malaysians will be able to help his son lead a normal life.

Sze Keong, who works as a car painter, said he needed to raise RM100,000 to send his son for an operation in Singapore.

“It is a torture to see him suffer every month when he goes for his blood transfusion. The procedure is painful and he will cry.

“Many times I have to lie to persuade him to go to Kluang General Hospital for treatment,” he told a press conference organised by Johor MCA Public Com­plaints Bureau chief Chia Song Cheng on June 16.

He said the family had tried to have the operation done locally but was told by the doctor that his son has a very rare blood type and that finding a suitable donor might be difficult.

“My son needs to go for a bone marrow operation in Singapore which will cost RM500,000. So far, we have managed to raise RM400,000 and are still short of RM100,000.

“I am appealing to the people to help me because my son needs to undergo the operations by the end of July,” he said, adding that the hospital in Singapore had managed to find a suitable donor for Yong How.

Chia said he had been informed that if Yong How is not operated on soon, he would suffer further health complications.

Those interested to help Yong Hau are advised to contact Johor MCA at 07-2236711.