Jacob Teo Jing Yu suffers from ventricular septal defect – a 4mm hole in the heart – as well as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which affects the way blood flows through his lungs.
He also has pulmonary stenosis, a narrowing of the valve between the lower-right heart chamber and the arteries of the lung, resulting in restricted blood flow through the valve.
Doctors have advised Teo and Chee that their child needs to undergo life-saving heart surgery costing RM85,000 to correct these defects. This includes stitching the hole in his heart, tying off the PDA, and reconstructing the right ventricular outflow tract.
At just five months old, little Jacob struggles to eat and sleep. He vomits even the smallest amount of milk during feedings and, due to inadequate intake, has to be fed seven to eight times a day. Despite this, Jacob weighs under 5kg – far below the normal range for an infant his age.
At night, he wakes up several times in distress as his conditions cause oxygen deprivation, labouring his breathing and turning his lips blue. Doctors had to teach the new parents CPR to prepare them for emergencies at home – a prospect that has made them even more anxious.
To compound matters, Teo, 36, previously suffered from cervical spine disease that left him unable to lift his arms. While his condition has improved following treatments, he is currently unemployed; plans to return to work have been dashed by Jacob’s health crises.
With Teo at home fully dedicated to his child’s care, the family has to rely solely on Chee’s income as a commercial planner. The couple have already exhausted their savings on Jacob’s hospital expenses as well as Teo’s medical treatments, and are unable to afford the cost of the surgery for their baby.
Teo and Chee have turned to Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia (Da Ai), a non-governmental organisation that aims to help disabled and special-needs individuals as well as families going through difficult times, through crowdfunding and other means.
“The young parents have lost the joy they once felt at welcoming Jacob into the world,” the NGO said in a statement. “Their only wish is for Jacob to undergo surgery in time and grow up healthy.
“We sincerely appeal to kind-hearted people to contribute to help save their son’s life.”
If you wish to make a donation, click here or contact case worker Celine Ng at 010-218 6816.
Learn more about Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia (Da Ai) via its website and on Facebook.