Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu just short of RM50,000 for life-saving second liver transplant in China
Gonzalez and Viviana are seen at UMMC in Kuala Lumpur while waiting for sufficient funds for the critical liver transplant.
SIBU (June 20): A fundraising campaign to enable Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu to undergo a critical second liver transplant in China needs less than RM50,000 more to achieve its target of RM231,930.
His mother Viviana Thomas said as of yesterday, the campaign had collected RM183,287.25 to support the surgery and treatment at Renji Hospital in Shanghai.
Gonzalez is battling Type II autoimmune hepatitis and end-stage liver disease.
Viviana appealed for help to raise the remaining RM48,642.75 for her son —who has been battling the illness since he was six months old — to receive the life-saving treatment.
'Every passing day is critical for Gonzalez. We truly appreciate every donation and prayer from the public,' she said when contacted today.
She also shared the family's heartfelt gratitude for the support and compassion shown by the public throughout the campaign.
The total amount includes a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine worth RM6,930 to help Gonzalez, who is one year and 11 months old, breathe steadily before and after the surgery in China.
For now, Gonzalez remains under monitoring at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, while waiting for sufficient funds and assistance from the Biliary Atresia Malaysia Association (BAMA) to manage documentation and obtain Ethical Approval.
Those wishing to help ease the family's burden can channel donations through Yayasan Nanyang Press (OCBC Bank 701-120679-6) with the reference Gonzalez Yiu.
Donors who require tax exemption receipts can complete the online form and upload proof of payment via: https://forms.gle/895dJk3KVp1bREho6.
On May 22, Viviana told Utusan Borneo the family was left with no choice but to appeal to the public for help as their savings had been exhausted on essential needs, treatments, and repeated hospital trips.
The youngest of two siblings, Gonzalez underwent his first liver transplant in March last year, but suffered serious complications when the new liver —donated by his mother — began to fail.
For the second transplant, Gonzalez's father Yiu Kuok Ling will donate part of his liver.
For further information, contact Viviana on 010-7661816.
Related report: https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/06/12/bintulu-toddler-gonzalez-yiu-still-needs-rm134000-for-life-saving-second-liver-transplant-in-china/ Gonzalez Yiu lead liver transplant Renji Hospital Viviana Thomas
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Borneo Post
14 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu just short of RM50,000 for life-saving second liver transplant in China
Gonzalez and Viviana are seen at UMMC in Kuala Lumpur while waiting for sufficient funds for the critical liver transplant. SIBU (June 20): A fundraising campaign to enable Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu to undergo a critical second liver transplant in China needs less than RM50,000 more to achieve its target of RM231,930. His mother Viviana Thomas said as of yesterday, the campaign had collected RM183,287.25 to support the surgery and treatment at Renji Hospital in Shanghai. Gonzalez is battling Type II autoimmune hepatitis and end-stage liver disease. Viviana appealed for help to raise the remaining RM48,642.75 for her son —who has been battling the illness since he was six months old — to receive the life-saving treatment. 'Every passing day is critical for Gonzalez. We truly appreciate every donation and prayer from the public,' she said when contacted today. She also shared the family's heartfelt gratitude for the support and compassion shown by the public throughout the campaign. The total amount includes a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine worth RM6,930 to help Gonzalez, who is one year and 11 months old, breathe steadily before and after the surgery in China. For now, Gonzalez remains under monitoring at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, while waiting for sufficient funds and assistance from the Biliary Atresia Malaysia Association (BAMA) to manage documentation and obtain Ethical Approval. Those wishing to help ease the family's burden can channel donations through Yayasan Nanyang Press (OCBC Bank 701-120679-6) with the reference Gonzalez Yiu. Donors who require tax exemption receipts can complete the online form and upload proof of payment via: On May 22, Viviana told Utusan Borneo the family was left with no choice but to appeal to the public for help as their savings had been exhausted on essential needs, treatments, and repeated hospital trips. The youngest of two siblings, Gonzalez underwent his first liver transplant in March last year, but suffered serious complications when the new liver —donated by his mother — began to fail. For the second transplant, Gonzalez's father Yiu Kuok Ling will donate part of his liver. For further information, contact Viviana on 010-7661816. Related report: Gonzalez Yiu lead liver transplant Renji Hospital Viviana Thomas
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu still needs RM134,000 for life-saving second liver transplant in China
Gonzalez is currently being monitored at PPUM in Kuala Lumpur. BINTULU (June 12): Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu, who is battling Type II autoimmune hepatitis and end-stage liver disease, urgently needs an additional RM134,896.89 to undergo a second transplant in China. His mother Viviana Thomas, 28, said the family has been desperately trying to raise RM231,930 in total for the life-saving surgery at Shanghai's Renji Hospital. 'As of June 11, we've managed to raise RM97,033.11,' she said when contacted today. Viviana said she hopes the remaining amount could be raised soon as Gonzalez's second birthday will fall on July 7. 'We're not even planning a birthday celebration anymore; we just want him to stay alive,' she said, adding that Gonzalez has been fighting the illness since he was six months old. She explained that apart from the cost of the surgery and treatment, they also need to purchase a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine worth RM6,930 to help Gonzalez before and after surgery. 'We initially hoped to borrow the machine from another patient, but it was already sold to someone else in need,' she explained. Gonzalez is currently under close observation at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) in Kuala Lumpur, while awaiting full funding and assistance from the Biliary Atresia Malaysia Association for documentation and ethical approval. Donations can be channelled to Yayasan Nanyang Press (OCBC Bank account 701-120679-6) with the reference Gonzalez Yiu. Those requiring tax exemption receipts can fill the online form and upload proof of payment via In a previous report by Utusan Borneo on May 22, Viviana had said public donations were a last resort as the family had depleted its savings to cover medical needs, basic necessities, and travel costs. In March last year, Gonzalez, the second of two children, underwent a liver transplant but suffered serious complications when the liver donated by his mother began to fail. For the second transplant, Gonzalez's father Yiu Kuok Ling, 30, will donate part of his liver. Viviana can be contacted on 010-7661816. end-stage liver disease Gonzalez Yiu lead Renji Hospital Viviana Thomas
The Star
25-05-2025
- The Star
UM medical students use music for healing
DESPITE the demanding nature of her studies, fourth-year medical student Ainura Musaeva finds time to play the piano – not only to continue pursuing her passion for music, but also for a greater purpose: offering comfort to patients and visitors at a hospital. 'My goal is to help people feel at ease and offer them a moment of peace in what may be a stressful or uncertain environment,' she told StarEdu. Ainura is one of 23 medical students at Universiti Malaya (UM) – each of whom holds certified piano qualifications – who have volunteered as pianists at the UM Medical Centre (UMMC). Their inaugural initiative, the Piano Therapy Project, which began this year, aims to extend patient care beyond procedures and prescriptions. As the project's founding director, Ainura said music can have a significant effect on emotional and physical well-being. 'When selecting the musical pieces to perform, I focus on classical compositions that are calming and uplifting, as my primary aim is to create a soothing atmosphere that can provide comfort and emotional relief,' she said. She added that the initiative has helped her understand the holistic approach to patient treatment. 'It has reminded me that healing is more than just medications and procedures; it is also about meeting patients' emotional needs and providing a supportive, comforting environment,' she said. Programme supervisor Dr Christina Lee Lai Ling, a transfusion medicine specialist, noted that music therapy is increasingly recognised as a valuable complementary approach in healthcare, offering benefits for both patient care and medical education. 'Studies have shown that the gentle, flowing melodies of the piano have a profound impact on the human psyche, helping to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels – key indicators of stress. 'Piano instrumental play without lyrics reduces analytical mind engagement and allows listeners to immerse themselves in pure sound, promoting relaxation and emotional balance. 'Live performances of soothing piano music often create a comfortable ambience and momentarily relieve the mind from the challenges of illness and recovery,' she offered. For medical education, Dr Lee said music therapy serves as a tool to teach empathy, communication and holistic care to students. 'By integrating music therapy into medical education, studies have shown that medical students not only gain knowledge about it but also gain positive experiences regarding its use and efficacy, in line with affective and psychomotor skill-oriented learning aims. 'Ultimately, music therapy bridges the gap between science and art, enriching both patient outcomes and the education of healthcare providers,' she said. Dr Lee shared that the project was set in motion after a grand piano was placed on the ground floor of The Plaza at UMMC following a suggestion from UMMC deputy director of management Mariashabiradalia Mohammed Hashim to create a calming space for patients waiting for their transport. Dr Lee 'The initiative gained momentum when medical students began volunteering during their free time to perform regularly, with support from the public relations department team overseeing the piano's maintenance. The team later helped organise a roster for regular performances,' she said. She added that the project has received positive feedback from patients, staff and visitors, many of whom expressing gratitude and appreciation for the medical students' performances. Ainura encouraged her fellow medical students to volunteer for community projects that positively impact patients. 'Although it is reasonable to assume that medical students have a lot going on in their lives, the opportunity to contribute to community projects that provide great value to both students and patients is priceless. 'The chance to make a positive impact on someone else's day is well worth the effort,' she said. As for what's next for the Piano Therapy Project, UMMC Corporate Relations Department head Syarifah Hasniza Syed Hassan Almashoor said plans are underway for collaboration with students from the UM Faculty of Creative Arts. 'Plans for conducting research on patients, staff and their mental health, as well as improving the overall hospital visit experience, are underway. 'The public, including patients and their accompanying persons, may also request to play the piano,' she said. – By DR WONG ZHI YONG
