Community support helps baby reach fundraising goal for surgery
MIRI (Aug 5): A remarkable display of community support has enabled 22-month-old Yvonne Paw to receive a life-changing auditory brainstem implant (ABI) operation after fundraising efforts exceeded its target in just seven days.
The campaign, which aimed to raise RM95,000 to fund the surgery, was officially closed today after collecting RM100,734.05 — surpassing the target by over RM5,000.
The achievement was announced by the Miri City Cochlear Implant Society (MCCIS) on behalf of Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chew Yew during a press conference.
'As of Aug 5, the collection has reached RM100,734.05, exceeding our target. Datuk Sebastian has kindly requested that we end the fundraising programme, as we have achieved our goal,' said MCCIS deputy chairman Dr Wong Jack.
CT scans at Miri Hospital revealed that Yvonne was born without cochleae in both ears, leaving her profoundly deaf since birth.
Due to this rare condition, she is not eligible for the more common cochlear implant. Instead, she requires an ABI, which is specifically designed for patients with absent or damaged cochleae.
The total cost of the operation is RM145,000, of which Yvonne's parents —both teachers — had managed to raise RM50,000 before seeking public assistance for the remaining funds.
Medical experts advised that the ABI procedure should be carried out before the age of two, making the scheduled surgery on Aug 16, 2025 at Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) in Kuching a race against time.
Moved by the family's plea, Ting launched the public fundraising programme with just 18 days to go before the scheduled operation.
Yvonne's parents, Paw Keh Chuong and Wong Siew Chin, expressed their deep gratitude and emotion over the overwhelming public response.
'We are so grateful to all those who kindly and generously donated,' said Keh Chuong.
'To achieve the target within seven days is just unbelievable — we would have been grategul even if we achieved this by Aug 16.'
Preparations for the surgery are underway.
The donated funds were officially handed over by by Dr Jack on behalf of Ting to Yvonne's father at the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Piasau office today, witnessed by MCCIS treasurer Dr Doris Jong and SUPP leaders.
Yvonne and her mother will travel to Kuching on Aug 13 for pre-surgery preparations, including an MRI scan on Aug 14.
Both parents will take leave from their teaching posts to accompany their daughter through the crucial procedure.
Ting, who is currently overseas, issued a statement thanking the public, stating: 'We pray for the very best for baby Yvonne's upcoming surgery. God bless everyone who contributed to the success of this fundraising programme.'
With financial concerns now resolved, Yvonne's parents are looking forward to the surgery's success — a gift from the generous Miri community, who have come together to give baby Yvonne the chance to hear for the first time in her life. fund raising hearing implants Sebastian Ting
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