Lai (second right) with the letter from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre requesting funds for his surgery. With him are Yee (right) and his parents. — Filepic
A REMARKABLE outpouring of support has enabled a 21-year-old youth battling epilepsy for 16 years to receive life-changing surgery.
The fundraising campaign, organised for Lai Zheng Wei by the Community Care Enrichment Programme (CCEP) Foundation, surpassed its RM100,000 goal, raising RM105,000 within 48 hours.
Lai, a restaurant worker in Ipoh, is expected to undergo surgery next month.
Foundation chief executive officer Yvonne Yee said the campaign, featured on Feb 20 in The Star, touched hearts and drew generous contributions from readers nationwide.
“Within just 48 hours of the news publication, an outpouring of support enabled the foundation to raise the necessary funds for Lai’s urgent surgery.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to every donor whose swift response made this life-changing moment possible,” she said in a statement.
“We are truly humbled by the generosity of our supporters,” she said, adding that Lai’s family had been informed about the successful campaign.
Yee said the public’s generosity and swift action served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities unite with empathy and love.
Kampar-born Lai has struggled with seizures since he was five years old.
His condition recently worsened, prompting his family and the CCEP to launch an urgent appeal to raise RM100,000 for his stereo-electroencephalography surgery.
This minimally invasive procedure maps the brain’s epileptic regions, minimising the need for open brain surgery.
Yee said the CCEP had contacted Lai’s doctor at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, to expedite the surgery.
“The urgency is underscored by a severe seizure that Lai experienced during Chinese New Year.
“This episode, marked by significant brain hypoxia that led to a temporary loss of consciousness, left family members frightened and overwhelmed,” she said.
“As Lai embarks on the path of recovery, the lasting impact of the donors’ compassionate gesture will inspire and uplift all those touched by this extraordinary campaign,” added Yee.
