Three toddlers need RM252,400 for implant surgery
MIRI: Three toddlers with congenital hearing loss are in dire need of fund to undergo implant surgery to regain their hearing.
Natalie Wee, aged one year and 10 months; Sheldon Sng ( 2 years and 5 months); and Alexander Ngaoh (2 years and 4 months), need a total of RM252,400 in donation.
Sheldon and Alexander both need RM85,800 each for cochlear implant while Natalie needs RM80,800 to undergo auditory brainstem implant.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Sebastian Ting said that they are racing against time with only three months to raise the fund as congenital hearing loss may become permanent when the patients get older.
“Hence, we are appealing to the kind members of the public to donate to enable these children to regain their hearing,” said Ting who is also the chairman of Sarawak Cochlear Implant Society ( SCIC).
Ting thanked Ear, Nose, Throat ( ENT) specialist Dr Doris Jong, and the supplier of cochlear implant who agreed to reduce the cost of the devices.
“I was told that Dr Jong had negotiated the price with suppliers to reduce the burden of their parents, and the latter have been touched by the toddlers’ background.
“Miri Hospital Director Dr Jack Wong has agreed to do the surgeries free- of- charge, to help reduce the burden of the patients’ families,” said Ting.
Those who wish to help can donate to Sarawak Cochlear Implant Society ( Public Bank Acc No: 319 6459 717).