Compiled by JAROD LIM, KHOO JIAN TENG and R. ARAVINTHAN
THE mother of a four-month-old infant often breaks down in tears as she recounts the story of her daughter, who was born with a severe spinal defect.
Kosmo! reported that Norfarahanim Norshamsuddin, 33, said her daughter, Fatimah, was born prematurely at 36 weeks and underwent spinal surgery just one day after birth.
Since then, the infant has undergone three operations involving her spine and head.
“Doctors told us her chances of survival are slim and that her condition could worsen. But she is still fighting, so I have to stay strong for her,” said the Seremban resident.
Besides being born with myelomeningocele, her daughter also suffers from hydrocephalus, a condition caused by excess fluid in the brain.
Fatimah depends on oxygen support, specialised infant formula every two hours and round-the-clock care.
Norfarahanim said the family’s struggles have been compounded by financial difficulties, as her husband earns just RM1,700 a month as a welder.
> Rock singer Datuk Nash says he is counting his blessings after making encouraging progress in his recovery from a heart attack earlier this year, Berita Harian reported.
“I am doing much better now. The rehabilitation programme has shown very positive results,” he said.
Doctors had earlier discovered that one of his heart arteries was 80% blocked, requiring immediate treatment.
Nash, whose full name is Nashrudin Elias, 67, said he was thankful to the doctors at Hospital Serdang for their care and encouragement.
“My children and grandchildren have been my biggest source of strength. My grandson even reminds me to take my medication and watch my diet,” said Nash, who was the former vocalist of Lefthanded.
Although he has returned to singing, Nash said he now prioritises rest and follows medical advice closely.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
