Well on the road to healthy life

Danish playing cheerfully at his home in Teluk Intan, Perak, after his surgery.

STAR Foundation’s Medical Fund Programme recipient Muhammad Danish Iskandar Kama Azmin has successfully undergone a heart surgery to correct his congenital heart defect.

Danish had been diagnosed with Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), or more commonly known as hole in the heart, when he was merely five days old.

His condition had been deteriorating since early this year, which meant he required urgent surgery.

However, his parents could not afford the surgery and was subsequently referred to Star Foundation for financial assistance.

Danish’s mother Sazliana Che Sharif is a full-time housewife while her husband Kama Azmin Kamaruzaman, 35, is a freelance wireman.

Thanks to support from well-wishers who donated generously to the foundation’s Medical Fund Programme, more than RM40,000 was raised.

The amount enabled three-year-old Danish to undergo the surgical procedure at National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month that offered him a chance at leading a normal, healthy life.

His parents were relieved when the paediatric surgeon assured them that the three-hour surgery went smoothly.

“Right after the procedure, Danish started eating normally, which is a good sign that his appetite is back, ” said Sazliana when contacted.

“This surgery has been very significant to our family, way beyond words!

“I hope my son will be able to live and grow like any other boy. He has endured enough suffering for a child, ” added the 33-year-old.

Sazliana and Kama Azmin also expressed their gratitude to the donors who made their son’s surgery possible.

“We are truly thankful for all the support and financial assistance received from the donors, doctors and Star Foundation to help our son get a chance at improving his health, ” she added.

IJN consultant paediatric surgeon Dr Hew Chee Chin, who operated on Danish, said the surgery was successful.

“We managed to remove his breathing tube on the same day of surgery for Danish to breathe well on his own.

“His wounds took about two weeks to heal completely, whereas the sternal bone union would take about two months.

“Thereafter, he will be able to pursue any activity that he wishes, including cycling, running and swimming.

“This is a curative surgery for Danish, ” said the surgeon.

The toddler is recovering well back in his family’s hometown of Teluk Intan, Perak.

Dr Hew also thanked the public and corporations for their generosity that had made this possible for young patients in need.

“Your efforts have brought hope, faith and warmth to these children and their families.

“I hope Star Foundation will continue this humanitarian work that is especially needed in these difficult times, ” he said.

Danish’s surgery and convalescence expenses amounted to approximately RM33,000.

Surplus donations collected will be used for the next eligible patient under the programme.

Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group that aims to support impactful initiatives to help a diverse group of beneficiaries.

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

For more details on Star Foundation’s work with the community, visit starfoundation.com.my