Baby Nur Umairah needs help

SUNGAI SIPUT: An eight-month-old baby has been unwell because she was born with hydrocephalus, and her family is appealing for help from the public in caring for her.

Nur Umairah Jannah Abdul Muhaimin suffers from a condition in which a fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid, builds up within ventricles of the brain, increasing pressure in the head.

Born in October last year, she is under the care of her 19-year-old aunt Nurul Shafikah Zainuddin, 19, who works as a factory operator.

“We have consulted with at least three specialists, and they told us that nothing could be done due to the high risk and her age.

"But we still need to go to hospital for her medical check-ups.

“A few days ago, someone suggested us to bring her to a specialist at Kuala Lumpur Hospital that might be able to help with her condition,” Nurul Shafikah said at her home in Taman Kledang here on June 28.

She said despite the illness, her niece was an active and friendly baby.

“We often receive visits from our neighbours and friends, who want to see her.

"She would laugh and make happy noises when she received visitors.

“As her aunt, I would want to see her able to move and play like other children in her age,” she said, adding that it cost them RM800 a month for Nur Umairah Jannah’s diapers and milk.

“We are staying with my mother, my sister and my disabled brother. Only my sister and I are working,” she added.

Nurul Shafikah said although they are eager to bring her niece to Kuala Lumpur Hospital as soon as possible, they need to prepare her medical record first.

“Since we do not have a car, we had to take a cab from Sungai Siput to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh.

"It would cost us at least RM150 to visit the hospital.

“We can only get the document next month because her medical appointment is scheduled on July 23,” she added.

Nurul Shafikah said she was lucky to have her neighbour to help her around when she is not home.

“When I am working, I cannot use my phone. Therefore when people want to visit us, they will contact my neighbour Mastura Meor Razali instead. She has been helping us by arranging visits to accommodate my niece’s condition.

“Once, someone came to our house at night and Nur Umairah Jannah was not in a good mood. She cried and screamed until the guests left,”

Those who wish to help can contact her neighbour Mastura Meor Razali at 011-3950 2866