KUALA LUMPUR: At the age of 13, when her schoolmates are living an active life, Lee Rui Han can only sit and watch.
Born with idiopathic scoliosis, the curvature of her spine is so bad that she is now wheelchair-bound.
She was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles, or cavities, deep within the brain.
Her conditions have also left her with speech difficulties.
The teen's 46-year-old mother, Low Pei Fen, said Lee's condition has been a source of heartache for her and her husband.
"My daughter's curved spine has worsened each day and is currently at 56 degrees... I fear that if no immediate action is taken then she might have trouble breathing later," she said.
Low said that Lee's premature birth was the likely cause of her daughter's current condition.
"She weighed only 1.7kg when she was born and the scoliosis was detected then through x-ray but since she was underweight, doctors could not operate (to correct her spine).
"Now she needs a wheelchair to move around and has enrolled in an Integrated Special Education Programme in SMK Serendah."
Because of the deterioration of scoliosis, Lee requires a boston brace to support her spine and prevent it from any further curving.
However, in a household of five people, including Low's mother-in-law and a special needs family member, the estimated price of RM5,000 for the brace is something they can ill afford.
"My husband only works as a lorry driver and his monthly income is below RM2,300... I myself am only a housewife, so we cannot afford the budget (for the brace).
"I want my daughter to grow up like any other child but it breaks my heart seeing her wheelchair-bound condition... I admit that there were times when I silently cried.
"But I don't cry in front of her, I always remind myself to be strong and happy for her because she needs every bit of support to continue her life."
Low said she hoped her only child's condition would improve, allowing her to lead a comfortable life.
Those who wish to help can send a cheque with the patient's name written on the back to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund.
The contributions to this fund are eligible for tax exemption.
Donations can be addressed to the Corporate Communications Department of Media Prima Group Berhad, Level Five, Anjung Riong, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
For online banking, one can contribute via Bank Muamalat account number 14010008842718 or Maybank account number 514105323170 and must state the patient's name in the recipient reference section.
