Chiet is recovering well after surgery at IJN in September.
When 15-year-old Chiet Ailai was wheeled into the operating theatre at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) in September, his family waited anxiously outside, praying for the best.
For hours, his father and siblings held on to hope that the life-saving surgery in Kuala Lumpur would be successful.
When the doctors informed them that the operation had gone well, relief washed over the family.
“Grateful, relieved, happy, it was all mixed together,” recalled his father Ailai Eperoi.
“After the long wait, we were just thankful to see him safe.”
Born in Sik, Kedah, Chiet had faced health challenges from the very start.
Just six days after birth, he was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a rare congenital heart condition.
He then underwent a high-risk arterial switch operation in Penang, which allowed him to enjoy a childhood like other children.
The cheerful student of SMK Lubok Merbau in Pendang loves football and dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer.
In February this year, during a routine check-up at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar, doctors discovered that he was suffering from severe supravalvular neo-aortic stenosis, a dangerous narrowing of the aorta above the heart valve.
The news devastated Ailai, who earns about RM600 a month as a small-scale farmer.
Chiet’s eldest brother, Somrath, 26, contributes RM500 from manual work, while their sister Junytaa, 22, stays home to care for Chiet.
Since their mother passed away in 2020, the siblings have relied heavily on one another.
The surgery required to save the teenager’s life would cost RM80,000, far beyond what the family could afford.
Help arrived when Star Foundation, through its Medical Fund Programme, launched a campaign to raise RM50,000.
Another non-governmental organisation stepped in to contribute RM30,000.
Within days, Malaysians responded with compassion.
Donations big and small poured in and by mid-July, the target was achieved.
“The support from Star Foundation and the public means so much to us,” said Junytaa.
“Not only did it help us financially, it also gave us the strength to keep going.”
Speaking in a phone interview from home while recovering, Chiet expressed his gratitude for all the support.
“I am grateful that everything was made easier and that I am getting better,” he said.
IJN senior consultant paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Datuk Dr Ahmad Sallehuddin, who performed the surgery, said the procedure went smoothly.
“Chiet is expected to enjoy a much better quality of life,” he said.
Today, the family has renewed hope.
“Our wish for him is that he will grow up healthy, strong and to continue chasing his dreams,” said Junytaa.
“To everyone who donated, prayed or offered support, we are truly grateful.”
Chiet has now gained a second chance at life – school, football and the dream of becoming an engineer.
Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group.
Since 2016, its Medical Fund Programme has provided critical medical aid to underprivileged individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.
To learn more or to contribute, visit starfoundation.com.my or e-mail starfoundation@thestar.com.my
