KUALA LUMPUR: Month-old Federick Jali was diagnosed with a heart defect four days after he was born.
The life-threatening condition was caused by the transposition of the great arteries, indicating that his two main blood vessels were switched.
He needs RM80,000 to undergo an arterial switch operation to save his life, but Federick's parents, Entia Nyantau and Naga Alap, can't afford the huge sum.
They have entrusted the Malaysia Da-Ai Social Crowdfunding (Da-Ai) to raise the money.
Da-Ai Malaysia Social Crowdfunding chairman Tee Geok Lin said the family of five depended on Naga, a mechanic.
"Entia is a housewife and needs to look after her three children, including Federick, at home."
Tee said Federick and his mother had to travel from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur Hospital, which had the advanced equipment needed for the operation.
He said Federick needed an arterial switch operation to place the two main blood vessels in their correct positions.
"If the blood vessels are not correctly positioned and cannot function normally, the child will not survive.
"Surgery is the only option, and it cannot be delayed. The situation is critical, and we call on the public to donate and save the baby boy," he said.
Tee said Entia had to worry about other things as she took care of Frederick in hospital, including transport, food and accommodation.
"She has to be strong for her sick son and will not give up no matter how tough things can be for her. Thus, the mother has no choice, but to ask for our help to raise the funds for Federick's surgery.
"We appeal to the public to help us raise RM80,000 to pay for the baby's heart surgery and medical expenses so that Federick can recover as soon as possible."
Those who wish to donate can call Vin at 012-7222849 or email [email protected].
