Teen needs funds for heart surgery
At first glance, 15-year-old Chiet Ailai seems like any other teenager – bright-eyed, energetic and full of dreams.
But behind his cheerful smile lies a lifelong struggle with a critical heart condition that has threatened his life since birth.
Born in Sik, Kedah, Chiet was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect known as Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) – a serious condition where the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed.
At just six days old, he underwent a complex, high-risk arterial switch operation in Penang.
Thanks to that life-saving surgery, Chiet was given a second chance – and he has made the most of it ever since.
A student of SMK Lubok Merbau in Pendang, Chiet enjoys playing football and aspires to become a mechanical engineer one day.
'He wants to build a better life for all of us,' said his sister Junytaa. 'He's our hope, and we're his.'
Despite his health challenges, Chiet has not lost his optimism.
He is the youngest child of Ailai Eperoi, a small-scale farmer and has two siblings. His mother passed away in 2020.
In February this year, during a routine check-up at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar, doctors discovered that Chiet now suffers from severe supravalvular neo-aortic stenosis – a rare but life-threatening narrowing of the aorta just above the heart valve.
He was referred to Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), where specialists confirmed that he required urgent aortic stenosis repair surgery.
If left untreated, the condition could prove fatal.
The total cost of the surgery is estimated at RM80,000.
IJN has secured RM30,000 in financial aid from One Hope Charity & Welfare, a non-profit organisation.
This leaves a remaining balance of RM50,000, which Chiet's family is unable to afford.
His father earns about RM600 a month while his eldest brother Somrath, 26, brings in RM500 monthly from manual labour.
His sister Junytaa, 22, stays home to care for Chiet and help manage the household.
'We try to give him everything we can. But this is something we just can't do on our own.
'We're asking for help to save his life,' said Junytaa.
Chiet continues to attend school and is hopeful that the surgery can be performed so that he can achieve his dream and support his family.
To help make this possible, Star Foundation's Medical Fund Programme is spearheading efforts to raise the remaining RM50,000 through public donations.
The Foundation is calling on the community to join hands and ensure Chiet gets a chance.
Donations can be transferred to Public Bank account number 31-9984-9230, via a cheque payable to Star Foundation or by credit or debit card through the Star Foundation website.
For a tax-exemption receipt, donors are encouraged to complete the Medical Fund Programme donation form on the website.
Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group.
Since 2016, its Medical Fund Programme has supported underprivileged individuals suffering from chronic illnesses by funding critical medical treatment and care.
To donate or learn more, visit starfoundation.com.my or e-mail starfoundation@thestar.com.my
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