KUALA LUMPUR: Ong Zheng Qiang, a 5-year-old toddler who suffers from Crouzon Syndrome, urgently needs to undergo three stages of surgery on his skull and respiratory tract.
He underwent procedures last year and in 2022 to relieve his stomach issues and throat constriction, respectively, which significantly impacted his ability to breathe and eat.
Crouzon syndrome, also known as craniofacial dysotosis, is a genetic syndrome in which the seams of the skull fuse abnormally. This affects the shape of the head and face.
His abnormal skull and breathing difficulties became apparent when he was 9 months old, prompting his parents to seek medical attention.
"He relies on tube feeding due to his narrowed throat and requires assistance for breathing. He cannot even close his eyes properly when he sleeps.
"Both of our families (father's and mother's) are not affected by this syndrome. He is the only one who has it," said Zheng Qiang's father, Ong Lit Han, 35, today.
He is seeking financial assistance to pay for the operation, estimated at RM50,000. Lit Han earns RM3,000 monthly as a general worker in Selayang and his wife is a housewife.
Those who wish to help Zheng Qiang can send cheques made payable to "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, with the patient's name written behind the cheque.
The public may also donate to the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund via Bank Muamalat (account number 1401 0008 8427) or Maybank (account number 5141 0532 3170). All donations are tax-deductible.
