MELAKA: A 58-year-old bachelor who adopted a Down syndrome child after her smile melted his heart when he visited her at Hospital Melaka is now appealing for help from the public.
The girl, now a teenager, has been diagnosed with thoracic scoliosis – sideways curvature of the middle, or thoracic, region of the spine – and he is finding it difficult to cope.
Teo Hock Teng said he decided to adopt the baby when he visited the hospital's maternity ward 16 years ago.
"The child's mother was our neighbour in Bandar Hilir here and I went to the hospital to see the baby with my relatives in 2007.
"While I was looking at the baby through the viewing window, she gave me a cute smile and her little fingers moved as though there was a connection between us.
"The mother didn't want to care for her newborn and no one wanted to adopt her, so I decided to take her as my own," he said in an interview at his home on Wednesday (July 19).
Teo said the baby was born out of wedlock and the father had abandoned both mother and child.
Teo said he had all the documents signed by the mother for the adoption.
"I work odd jobs and finding a life partner was then very hard with (my) meagre earnings. The baby was the most precious gift to me," he said.
Teo said he felt blissful and content after the child came into his life.
"I had no problem taking care of her until she was recently diagnosed with thoracic scoliosis," he said.
Teo said Hospital Melaka has referred his daughter to an orthopaedic specialist at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).
"The hospital here was kind enough to issue a supporting letter for me to seek help from the public," he said.
Teo is also a recipient of the Melaka Social Welfare Department's monthly financial assistance of RM250.
"I also get help from two associations here and some of my friends for my daughter's treatment," he said.
However, Teo said the amount he received from donors is still insufficient to pay for his frequent trips to HKL and buy nutritional food for his daughter.
"I have to spend RM60 a week on special formula milk, not counting her diapers and other expenses.
"I am forced to seek help from the public," he added.
Meanwhile, Tanjung Bidara Lions Club chairman Patric Chang said they will render assistance to Teo.
He said those who wish to contribute can do so by channelling their donations to the Lions Club of TG Bidara Melaka's Project Fund via CIMB Bank (account number: 8004599894).
