Fundraising appeal launched to cover cost of six-year-old Faris' pacemaker battery replacement
KUCHING (Aug 12): A fundraising appeal has been launched to raise RM60,000 to cover the cost of a pacemaker battery replacement that six-year-old Muhammad Faris Habibullah Mohd Abdul Sahat recently underwent due to the urgency of his condition.
Born with a congenital heart condition, Faris has relied on a pacemaker since 2020.
According to CCEP Foundation chief executive officer Yvonne Yee, pacemaker batteries typically last around 10 years, but those used in children tend to deplete more quickly due to their higher activity levels.
In Faris case, she said the battery was already fully depleted and doctors had warned that the pacemaker could stop at any time, putting his life at risk.
Given the critical nature of his condition, the hospital proceeded with the surgery upon receiving a guarantee letter from CCEP. Faris was successfully discharged on Aug 8.
CCEP and the hospital have agreed that payment will be made once the fundraising target is met.
Medical records show Faris has undergone four major surgeries, including repairs for Coarctation of the Aorta (Co-Ao) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), as well as pulmonary artery banding and pacemaker implantation.
His father, Mohd Abdul Sahat Bujang, who is from Sadong Jaya, recalled that Faris was only 10 days old when a routine jaundice check led to the discovery of a hole in his heart.
'He was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for over a month. Doctors recommended a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) surgery and hoped the hole would close naturally within five months.
However, following a second surgery, Faris developed complete heart block, prompting doctors to implant a pacemaker to regulate his heartbeat.
The device has allowed Faris to live a relatively normal life, just like other children. To ensure it works properly, he must undergo annual check-ups to monitor the battery's condition.
Donations can be made to CCEP Foundation via RHB Bank (Account No: 26219300009342). For enquiries, contact 03-7955 9999 or 010-2798849.
Donors are advised to indicate the patient's name and they may request tax-exempt receipts via https://forms.gle/jtBWVNUgxxWZJgzp6. CCEP Foundation fundraising lead Muhammad Faris Habibullah Mohd Abdul Sahat
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