Aqilah was discharged from IJN and is recovering well post-surgery.
A DECADE ago, Aqilah Zulaikha Rozali’s life took an unexpected turn after a heart murmur or abnormal sound was detected during a routine physical check.
Now 17, Aqilah has grown into a cheerful and loving teenager, living with atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital heart defect first diagnosed during a medical check-up at Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI) in Johor.
Her mother had made sure Aqilah went for her medical check-ups and hospital appointments every two months.
However, her mother’s sudden death in 2017 from an asthma attack, disrupted her medical check-up routine.
Growing up with her condition, Aqilah had shortness of breath and fatigue, limiting her ability to enjoy physical activities.
Earlier this year, her condition worsened, causing sleep disturbances, breathing difficulties and chest pains.
As her condition deteriorated, she was referred back to HSI, only to discover that she needed an ASD closure at the National Health Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur.
The procedure is to repair and close the heart defect.
Her father Rozali Asmuni, who earned just RM2,500 as a security officer in Kluang, Johor, was devastated by the news.
As the sole breadwinner for Aqilah and 11 other family members, Rozali understood the challenges in finding the money needed for his daughter’s life-saving treatment.
The RM45,000 for the surgery along with the cost to travel from Kluang to Kuala Lumpur was too much for the family.
“After my wife’s passing, Aqilah seemed to be doing well, so we did not take her for any check-up or treatment.
“We never thought it would come down to this.
“The doctor revealed that they had actually scheduled her for surgery seven years ago.
“For some reason, the hospital could not reach us,” said Rozali.
“Without surgery, Aqilah would have been at risk for serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias and increased pulmonary blood pressure, (which are) complications that could cause permanent damage.
“Further postponing the treatment for years would likely increase the cost because of the condition’s progression and potential complications that might arise,” said IJN senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Datuk Dr Ahmad Sallehuddin.
Hope was not lost, thanks to the RM20,000 contribution from Star Foundation through its Medical Fund Programme, a co-fund initiative that made the surgery possible.
Aqilah finally received the life-changing treatment she needed, which was completed on June 1.
“The surgery took approximately three hours, including the time required for the preparation, actual surgical procedure and also the initial recovery period in the operating room,” said Dr Ahmad.
Aqilah is recovering well post-surgery.
After two weeks of hospitalisation, Aqilah was discharged from IJN.
Her condition and overall health would be monitored at a local hospital.
The check-ups are expected to gradually reduce once her condition becomes more stable.
“Prior to this, I tried my best to reach out for multiple donation sources for her treatment and received none.
“If it was not for the Star Foundation, we would have abandoned seeking the treatment for her and accepted things as they were.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we are truly grateful for the much-needed medical treatment,” said Rozali.
Malaysians who generously donated to the Medical Fund Programme, enabling Aqilah to have the surgery before her condition worsened, also deserve thanks.
The Medical Fund Programme, established in 2015 by the Star Foundation, focuses on helping underprivileged individuals suffering from chronic illnesses by sponsoring one-off medical treatment.
Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group and supports impactful initiatives to help a diverse group of beneficiaries.
For details, visit starfoundation.com.my
