Family seeks support as three-year-old toddler prepares for rare liver transplant
by Yunus Yussop · Borneo Post OnlineBINTULU (Jan 1): A fundraising campaign has been launched to help three-year-old Athalia Feodora Augustine, who is preparing to undergo a critical liver transplant in Shanghai, China.
Athalia has been battling biliary atresia, a rare and serious liver disease, since infancy.
Although she previously underwent the Kasai procedure, the surgery was unsuccessful, leaving a liver transplant as her only chance of survival.
She has been receiving treatment at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) since Oct 26, where doctors worked to stabilise her condition while awaiting a suitable donor and ethical approval for the procedure in China.
After weeks of uncertainty, medical specialists have confirmed that Athalia is now strong enough to proceed with a transplant at Renji Hospital in Shanghai.
As both her parents were medically unsuitable to donate, hope came from within the family when Athalia’s 23-year-old aunt, Angelina, volunteered to donate 20 per cent of her liver to replace the damaged organ.
Athalia is expected to travel to China together with another patient, five-year-old Helena from Selangor, as part of the treatment process.
To help cover surgery and related medical costs, non-governmental organisation (NGO) Nadi Permata Malaysia has opened a fundraising campaign seeking to raise approximately RM200,000.
Nadi Permata Malaysia is a registered welfare organisation that has assisted many families whose children require liver transplants.
Instead of toys or festive gifts, Athalia’s family said her greatest wish this Christmas is simply ‘a second chance at life’.
The family also welcomed prayers and messages of support as they stand by their daughter through what they described as the most difficult yet hopeful chapter of their lives.
Members of the public wishing to contribute may donate via the QR code provided for the campaign, which is designated specifically for Athalia’s treatment.
For enquiries, the public may call Isabel (family) on 017-378 8500 or Mars (Nadi Permata Malaysia) on 013-744 4501.
Donations via bank transfer may be channelled to:
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Nadi Permata Malaysia
Maybank: 5515-7530-7417
Reference: BANTUAN ATHALIA