Due to congenital DNA problems, Lim was born with multiple conditions including brain damage and a stomach disorder that prevents him from swallowing food on his own. Consequently, he has to use a tube to consume food or milk.
He also suffers from heart issues such as ventricular septal defect – also known as a hole in the heart – and an interrupted aortic arch, the result of an aorta that had not developed properly.
In 2020, his parents placed him in the care of the Malaysian Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Children, when he was only a month old. The boy has since been living at the association’s home on Jalan Gasing in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
“Shao Heng has been growing healthily,” association vice-chairman Tan Jin Hao told FMT. “Initially, the doctor said he might not be able to move at all. But we have been bringing in a physiotherapist once a week, and he is now able to move in his own way by pushing his legs and moving in circles.”
The team also arranges for a speech therapist to work with him weekly. “When you place your finger in a child’s mouth, they will try to suck it as a reflex. Initially, Shao Heng was unable to do that. Recently, however, he has been trying to, which is an improvement.”
They further bring Lim for regular medical checkups at a private hospital. Not surprisingly, all of this adds up to a considerable amount of money.
“We require approximately RM63,000 a year for Shao Heng, which include his medical expenses, physio and speech therapists’ fees, a full-time caretaker, and the purchase of milk powder and diapers,” Tan said.
Even though FMT published a story in August last year to raise funds for Lim, the association is again appealing for the public’s help.
“Our funds are drying up and we don’t have much left. We hope to raise at least RM60,000 so we don’t have to worry if there is an emergency, and can quickly send him for the necessary treatment.”
Tan gave the example of an incident in April last year, when the boy was suddenly unable to breathe because of his heart issue. He was admitted to the hospital for close to three weeks, the cost of which was approximately RM20,000.
The team also hopes Lim can undergo heart surgery someday. “However, his doctors have recommended we wait until he gets stronger,” Tan explained.
Describing him as a happy boy who can be playful at times, the 30-year-old added: “Shao Heng is very brave and strong as it’s not easy to go through all this. We hope the public can lend a hand as his condition is bad compared with normal children, and it’s very tough for us right now.”
The Malaysian Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Children, which was established in 2012, is home to 70 residents who suffer from intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism.
“We do not charge these residents as many of them come from single or poor families,” Tan shared. “Our operational cost per month is approximately RM100,000, including utility bills, rental of two adjacent single-storey bungalow lots, salaries for 15 full-time employees, as well as medical and food expenses.”
According to him, the home is sustained solely through contributions from the public, which has dropped drastically since the onset of the pandemic. “Furthermore, we were previously unable to hold fundraising activities such as charity concerts and dinners.”
As such, Tan and his team are appealing for aid from kindhearted Malaysians to help the organisation as a whole. “Even if you don’t have the means to donate, we welcome you to visit us and spend time with the residents,” he added.
Contributions can be made directly to Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Terencat Akal Malaysia, Hong Leong Bank account number 291 000 28158. To help Lim’s case, kindly include the reference ‘Shao Heng’.
Please provide a snapshot of the bank deposit statement and your full name for issuance of receipt and tracking purposes. For further information, contact Susan Ng at 014-332 3960 or email [email protected].
Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Terencat Akal Malaysia
118, Jalan Gasing,
46000 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor
Contact: 03-7960 8003
Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily