Boy needs aid for transplant

From: The Star

JOHOR BARU: A 10-year-old boy suffering from thalassemia since he was one desperately needs a stem cell transplant.

Liew Chon Kong has been undergoing blood transfusions every month at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital since he was four.

Lam Mei Lin, 37, said Chon Kong, the elder of two sons, has been suffering from constant headaches and extreme fatigue since young.

Painful remedy: Chia (left) showing a medical equipment used by Chon Kong while mother Lam looks on yesterday.

“The doctors have said the best option now is to go for the transplant, as frequent blood transfusions put him at risk of an iron overload.

“Such overload can damage his heart and liver,” she told a press conference organised by Johor MCA Public Complaints Bureau chief Chia Song Cheng.

Lam, an administration officer at a factory, added that none of her family members had matching stem cells.

She had spent more than RM28,000 to search for a match via the Sultanah Aminah Hospital as well other hospitals in Singapore, but to no avail.

“I have since consulted a transplant team at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, who has informed us that they have found a match.

“However, the suitable stem cells as well as the transplant cost about RM350,000 and the surgery is scheduled for October,” she said, adding that her husband was an air-conditioning technician.

Lam added that she had managed to collect RM50,000, but needed help from the public to raise the rest of the amount.

“I appeal to the public for their kindness as my son’s life depends on the surgery,” she said.
Chia hoped people could show their kindness to Chon Kong’s family.

Well-wishers can contact the Johor MCA headquarters at 07-2233915; or write to the party state headquarters at Fifth Floor, Bangunan MCA Negri Johor, Jalan Segget, 80,000 Johor Baru.