Heart boy needs funds

KUALA PERLIS: She is suffering from cancer but Rozana Muhammad has not let it stop her from caring for her two other ailing family members. Diagnosed with intestine cancer, the 40-year-old had undergone five operations but she has put her own suffering aside to care for her 55-year-old heart patient husband and the couple's 12-year-old son, Mohammad Akmal Hidayat Jamil, who suffers from a hole in the heart.



Adding to her worries is the worsening condition of Akmal who needs to undergo an operation today.

Akmal, a Year Six pupil of Sekolah Rendah Kebangsan Padang Besar Selatan, had previously undergone surgery to repair his heart valve at the Gleneagles Hospital in George Town, Penang, in 2006.

But doctors had since said he would need another surgery following complications.

The hospital has agreed to finance RM10,000 of the RM25,000 surgery but Rozana would need to raise RM15,000.

When met at her Kampung Bukit Papan, Jalan Kuala Perlis house, here, yesterday, she was at her wits' end.

"The date of my son's operation is geting nearer but I don't know how I am going to come up with that much money.

"I have gone everywhere to ask for help but nobody seems to be interested."

Rozana was previously a security guard at the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital in Kangar but had to give up her job when she fell sick.

Her husband Jamil Hussin, a labourer, had quit his job after a heart attack last month.

Those who wish to help may send cheques made payable to the New Straits Times with Akmal's full name written on the reverse side of the cheque.

Send the cheques to The Cashier, Finance Department / Charity Unit, The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, Balai Berita, No 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.


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