Family Of Child With Liver Condition Expresses Gratitude As Surgery Funds Secured

JASIN, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- A glimmer of hope has returned for two-year-old Nur Asyura Medina Muhammad Ikmal Haziq, or Medina, who has battled a serious liver condition, biliary atresia, since birth after the RM180,000 needed for surgery was finally secured this week.

The girl’s father, Muhammad Ikmal Haziq Mazlan, 24, said their plight caught the attention of Merlimau state assemblyman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who stepped in with a personal donation of RM120,000, money he had been saving to perform the haj with his wife next year.

He said the family had previously felt at a loss, as a fundraising campaign launched last month had only managed to raise RM62,000 of the total needed to cover the cost of their daughter’s urgent surgery at a hospital in Shanghai, China.

“Dr Muhamad Akmal visited us last Wednesday night, and after asking how much of the cost was still needed, he immediately expressed his intention to help our family.

“I will never forget his words. He said he had been saving RM120,000 for years to perform the haj with his wife, but what would the meaning of his worship be if he let the life of a young child fighting for survival be lost?” he told the reporter in an interview at his home in Kampung Serkam Tengah today.

Muhammad Haziq said he would never forget Muhamad Akmal’s generosity, describing it as a rare and selfless act that not everyone could make. The kindness, he said, has given his daughter fresh hope to keep fighting for her life and grow up like any other child, filling their family with renewed strength and optimism.

He also expressed gratitude to Duyong state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, who helped publicise the fundraising effort for the surgery when they had no idea how to cover the remaining costs and had almost resigned themselves to their daughter’s fate.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Haziq recalled a terrifying moment last January when his daughter’s heart stopped for about 45 minutes.

‘When we arrived at the emergency ward, the doctors informed us of her condition, but by Allah’s miracle, Medina suddenly opened her eyes.

“With the help we received today, it has given us a renewed hope to see Medina continue fighting her illness, as my wife and I can no longer bear to watch her suffer,” he said.

Muhammad Haziq said all preparations for the trip to China have been made with the support of the Biliary Atresia Malaysia Association (BAMA), adding that they are expected to depart next week.

Meanwhile, Muhamad Akmal said that although Medina does not reside in Merlimau, he felt a responsibility to help. He also prayed that all of Medina’s procedures would go smoothly and that she would be granted good health like any other child.

The family will still need support for her treatment and daily care after the surgery, as they have to cover the cost of special formula and medications, which amount to around RM5,000 a month.

Those wishing to help can contribute to Muhammad Ikmal Haziq Mazlan via Bank Islam, account number 05049020332559.

-- BERNAMA