MALAYSIANS are known for their generosity, stepping up in times of need to support those facing urgent challenges.
Today, one-year-old Hail Idrus Arman from Sarawak needs that kindness more than ever.
Born into a world of silence, Hail Idrus has never heard his mother’s voice or the playful banter of his four older siblings.
This is our second call of support for Hail Idrus.
Diagnosed with hearing loss, his only chance to experience the world of sound is through life-changing cochlear implant surgeries.
Without this, the toddler risks missing out on the crucial early years for speech and language development.
Medical specialists have confirmed the urgent need for early intervention, with the cochlear implant surgeries on both ears costing RM125,000.
Since launching a fundraising appeal in mid-January, Star Foundation has raised RM30,000. However, there is still RM95,000 left to secure.
The world of Arman Ramali and Missie Bolie from Kuching turned upside down when a routine medical check-up revealed that their youngest son had bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss.
Sarawak General Hospital senior consultant Dr Tang Ing Ping confirmed both his ears are profoundly impaired.
Further tests revealed structural abnormalities in his cochlear nerves.
The cost of the surgeries is beyond the family’s means.
Hail Idrus’ father, the sole breadwinner, earns only RM1,700 per month as a courier officer.
This is barely enough to support their family of seven in their modest home in Kampung Siol Kandis, Kuching.
On top of the cochlear implant surgeries, on-going post-surgery therapy and follow-up treatments would further increase their financial burden.
Missie said it was heartbreaking that something as basic as hearing, which many take for granted, was a luxury beyond their reach for her son.
“We are doing everything we can to give Hail Idrus the best future possible,” she said.
Cochlear implants are more than just a medical device, it is Hail Idrus’ gateway to a world filled with laughter, learning and communication.
The surgeries will give him the opportunity to grow up understanding speech, communicating with his family and experiencing the simple joys of life – listening to music, hearing his parents’ voices and responding with a smile.
His parents dream of the day he will hear them call his name. Despite their struggles, they hold onto hope and believe in the kindness of Malaysians.
With the help of the Star Foundation, the family is appealing to the public to bridge the RM95,000 shortfall.
No donation is too small – each contribution brings Hail Idrus one step closer to the gift of hearing.
You can also support by sharing his story with your friends, family and social networks.
Awareness can lead to more generous donors who can help Hail Idrus.
Star Foundation’s Medical Fund Programme is making this urgent second appeal to raise the remaining funds.
Any excess donations will go toward supporting future eligible patients in need of medical assistance.
Donations can be made via Public Bank (31-9984-9230) under Star Foundation, with a cheque payable to Star Foundation, or online.
Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group.
Since 2015, its Medical Fund has helped underprivileged individuals suffering from chronic illnesses by funding critical medical treatment and care.
For details or to donate, visit starfoundation.com.my or email starfoundation@thestar.com.my
