Muhammad Firdaus Najihan Roslan — Firdaus and Najihan with their baby Ramadhani, who is receiving treatment in hospital. (Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The birth of a child should be a time of great joy for new parents. But for one young couple, the past few months have been filled with hospital visits, medical tests, prayers and worry.

Muhammad Firdaus and Najihan Roslan’s baby daughter Ramadhani is fighting for her life after being diagnosed two months ago with ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Now, the six-month-old urgently requires surgery to close a 10mm hole in her heart. The procedure and related treatment are expected to cost around RM80,000.

Firdaus and Najihan have so far managed to raise only half the amount, and require the remaining RM40,000 to proceed with the procedure – a critical step that could give their daughter the chance to grow up like other children.

Looking back, Firdaus said they had not initially suspected anything was wrong as their baby appeared healthy at birth. However, the first warning signs emerged when Ramadhani failed to gain weight, had difficulty sleeping, and would vomit and tire easily while feeding.

“The doctor only detected something unusual after hearing an abnormal sound during a heart examination. That’s when we were told Ramadhani has VSD,” Firdaus, 32, recalled.

Due to her weakened immune system, Ramadhani has also been prone to lung infections, often requiring long hospital stays. She now depends on a feeding tube and regular medication.

Her mother, Najihan Roslan, 30, has had to resign from her job as a teacher to care for their daughter full-time. The family relies solely on Firdaus’s income as a technician.

Ramadhani Muhammad Firdaus — As the feeding tube is affixed in her nostril, Ramadhani’s upper body and arms are wrapped in towels to prevent accidental pulling. (Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia pic)

“We’ve used up nearly all our savings, including withdrawing money from our EPF, to pay for her treatment so far. But the surgery cost is far beyond what we can afford,” Najihan said.

She also noted that Ramadhani is unable to sit up or roll over like other babies her age. Sadly, her physical development has been delayed owing to the prolonged hospitalisation.

“As parents, all we want is for her to grow up healthy. It’s heartbreaking, but we continue to hold on to hope and pray for a miracle through the kindness of others,” Najihan added.

The couple has the support of Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia (formerly Persatuan Kebajikan Amal Da Ai), a non-governmental organisation that helps individuals and families going through difficult times through crowdfunding and other means.

Its president, Symphony Tan, is appealing to the public to help raise funds to save Ramadhani’s life. “Please extend your helping hand to help restore this baby’s smile. Let her have a simple but happy childhood,” the NGO said on its website.

Those who wish to help may bank in donations to CIMB account number 8605 894 192 or Affin Bank account number 1055 7000 9847, with the reference CASE 2120.

For further information, contact case worker Jenny at 016-257 9625.

Learn more about Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia here.

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Diagnosed with hole in the heart, baby Ramadhani needs your help

Her parents Muhammad Firdaus and Najihan Roslan have the support of Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia to raise RM40,000 for lifesaving surgery.