Kampung serkam tengah: A glimmer of hope has returned for two-year-old Nur Asyura Medina Muhammad Ikmal Haziq, or Medina, who has battled a serious liver condition, biliary atresia, since birth after the RM180,000 needed for surgery was finally secured this week.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the girl's father, Muhammad Ikmal Haziq Mazlan, expressed gratitude after their plight caught the attention of Merlimau state assemblyman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh. Dr. Muhamad Akmal made a personal donation of RM120,000, money he had been saving to perform the haj with his wife next year.
Previously, the family was at a loss, as a fundraising campaign launched last month had only managed to raise RM62,000, falling short of the total needed for their daughter's urgent surgery at a hospital in Shanghai, China. Dr. Muhamad Akmal visited them last Wednesday night and, upon learning how much was still needed, immediately offered his assistance.
Muhammad Haziq recounted Dr. Muhamad Akmal's selfless act as something he would never forget, highlighting how the assemblyman's generosity has given his daughter fresh hope and filled their family with renewed strength and optimism.
He also thanked Duyong state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, who helped publicize the fundraising effort when they were unsure how to cover the remaining costs.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Haziq recalled a terrifying moment last January when his daughter's heart stopped for about 45 minutes, but she miraculously opened her eyes again. The recent support has renewed their hope to see Medina continue fighting her illness.
All preparations for the trip to China have been made with the support of the Biliary Atresia Malaysia Association (BAMA), and they are expected to depart next week. Despite Medina not residing in Merlimau, Dr. Muhamad Akmal felt a responsibility to help and prayed for her smooth recovery and good health.
The family will still need support for Medina's treatment and daily care post-surgery, as the cost of special formula and medications amounts to around RM5,000 a month. Contributions can be made to Muhammad Ikmal Haziq Mazlan via Bank Islam, account number 05049020332559.