Hole-in-heart boy bounces back after surgery in KL

Danish with a ‘get well soon’ gift he received three days after surgery.

A RECIPIENT of Star Foundation’s Medical Fund programme has successfully undergone a surgery to close a hole in the heart, thanks to contributions from donors.

Danish Al ‘Aliy Fadzil is known to be energetic and cheeky among family members despite suffering from a congenital heart disease since birth.

His mother, Nurul Diyana Salman, 29, was worried that a surgery would leave Danish lethargic but the five-year-old proved to be stronger, much to his mother’s relief.

The family is from Sitiawan, Perak.

When met at the National Heart Institute (IJN) just three days after his surgery, Danish was already playing with his trains and tracks from his favourite series Thomas & Friends.

“Before the surgery, both his brothers who stayed back in Sitiawan requested to see him via video call.

“They did not understand what was going on but they missed Danish.

“My husband and I were worried during the three-hour surgery. After that, Danish appeared tired for the first one or two days.

“Now, he is able to play again and even requested for fried chicken and soft drinks. We are truly grateful,” said Nurul Diyana.

IJN consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Hew Chee Chin, who performed the surgery on June 6 to close the hole in Danish’s heart, said the physical growth of the patient might be affected if surgery was not performed in time.

“The hole in the heart does not close on its own. Without surgery, the heart will become more dilated and this will affect his growth.

“Although he was an asymptomatic patient, it was good that they came to us early,” said Dr Hew.

Both Danish’s parents and Dr Hew expressed their gratitude and appreciation to donors and Star Foundation for making the surgery possible.

“The kindness and generosity of fellow Malaysians during these trying times is highly commendable.

“Hopefully, we can continue to help more needy patients in the near future,” said Dr Hew.

Danish will return to kindergarten next year after taking time off for the surgery.

The surgery and convalescence expenses cost approximately RM35,000.

Established in 2004, Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group and is aimed at delivering meaningful initiatives with lasting outcomes to a diverse group of beneficiaries.

The Medical Fund programme was started in 2015 to help underprivileged individuals suffering from chronic illnesses by sponsoring one-off medical treatment and care.

For details, visit starfoundation.com.my