Latest news with #Viviana


Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Health
- 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


Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Toddler chokes to death on cherry as dad says seven heartbreaking words
Viviana Maria Barel, two, was eating with her two sisters when she choked on a cherry at her family home. A heartbroken father has shared his anguish after his two year old daughter tragically choked on a common piece of fruit. Little Viviana Maria Barel was dining with her siblings at their family home in Revine Lago, northern Italy, when she choked on a cherry. Tragically, despite frantic attempts to save the toddler, Viviana suffocated to death. The heartbreaking incident occurred around 10 pm on the evening of Saturday, June 14. Distraught dad Renato Barel informed local press that a nurse residing in the same apartment block had tried to clear the obstruction using the Heimlich manoeuvre. Emergency services arrived swiftly at the scene after an ambulance was summoned and began preparations to intubate Viviana and transport her into the ambulance, reports the Mirror. However, before they could rush the little girl to the hospital, it became painfully apparent that it was already too late. Vivana had died from oxygen deprivation. Recalling his cherished daughter, dad Renato said: "She was a happy and lively child." Police are reportedly now probing into Viviana's death. The young girl's funeral took place yesterday (June 18) at 3:30 pm, at the church of San Matteo, in Revine. Italian news outlet Il Gazzettino reported that the "entire town paused this afternoon to say goodbye" as Viviana's "small white coffin" was carried into the church, almost exactly one year on from the day of her baptism. As onlookers fought to contain their emotions, a solemn hush fell across Revine Lago; its bars and shops shuttered in observance of the day of mourning ordered by Mayor Massimo Magagnin. Mayor Magagnin articulated: "Our entire community gathers around the family in this moment of immense sadness." Parish priest, Don Angelino Granziera, who led the poignant service, honoured "a little girl who radiated happiness". Speaking to the congregation, including Viviana's immediate family, he proclaimed: "Viviana is now in the safe hands of the Lord, ready to welcome a life to make it flourish in eternity. "Her short earthly journey entrusts us with an important treasure. Her great joy, her ever-ready smiles, the beauty of her face will continue to live". Following the conclusion of the funeral rites, Viviana's casket was carried away for cremation. The touching epitaph inscribed for her said: "You were a gift to all of us. The love you lit in our hearts will never be extinguished." Previously, the same outlet had recounted how Viviana's distraught parents waited until daylight to convey the tragic news to her two young sisters, ages six and nine.


Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Girl, 2, dies by choking on common fruit as dad issues heartbreaking message
Little Viviana Maria Barel was just two years old when she choked to death on a common piece of fruit in front of her devastated family. Now, a community has rallied around her parents, who remember their little girl as a 'gift' A devastated father has spoken about his heartache after his two-year-old daughter choked on a common piece of fruit. Little Viviana Maria Barel had been eating with her two siblings at their family home in Revine Lago, northern Italy, when she choked on a cherry. Sadly, despite desperate efforts to save the child, Viviana suffocated to death. The tragedy unfolded at approximately 10 pm on the evening of Saturday, June 14. Grief-stricken dad Renato Barel told local media that a nurse living in the same apartment building had attempted to clear the blockage using the Heimlich manoeuvre. Medics arrived quickly at the scene after an ambulance was called and began preparing to intubate Viviana and carry her into the ambulance. Before they could rush the toddler to the hospital, however, it became clear it was already too late. Vivana had died from a lack of oxygen. Remembering his beloved daughter, Dad Renato shared: "She was a happy and lively child." Police are reportedly now investigating Viviana's death. The little girl's funeral was held yesterday (June 18) at 3:30 pm, at the church of San Matteo, in Revine. Italian publication Il Gazzettino reported that the "entire town stopped this afternoon to say goodbye" as Viviana's "small white coffin" was carried into the church, almost exactly one year on from the day of her baptism. Those who watched on struggled to hold back tears, while silence descended over Revine Lago, where bars and shops were closed to the public as part of an official day of mourning declared by Mayor Massimo Magagnin. The mayor stated: "Our entire community gathers around the family in this moment of immense sadness." Parish priest, Don Angelino Granziera, who presided over the service, paid tribute to "a little girl who radiated happiness". Addressing mourners, which included Viviana's parents and siblings, he said: "Viviana is now in the safe hands of the Lord, ready to welcome a life to make it flourish in eternity. "Her short earthly journey entrusts us with an important treasure. Her great joy, her ever-ready smiles, the beauty of her face will continue to live". After the funeral service concluded, Viviana's coffin was taken for cremation. Her moving epigraph read: "You were a gift to all of us. The love you lit in our hearts will never be extinguished." The same publication previously reported how Viviana's heartbroken parents had waited until morning before breaking the terrible news to her two older sisters, aged just six and nine years old.


Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Ontario school bus driver who wore schoolgirl's uniform and had 'Lolita's Line' sign removed from job
A school bus driver who wore a schoolgirl's uniform while driving a vehicle with a 'Lolita's Line' sign in the window will no longer be working for the York Catholic District School Board, a spokesperson has told National Post. The incident stems from a video that was posted to social media after being filmed outside St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Elementary School in Vaughan, Ont., just north of Toronto. In the video, several people are speaking to the driver, who briefly stands in front of the bus dressed in a short pink skirt, stockings and a frilly shirt, before entering the vehicle. 'You picked up the kids dressed like that?' one person in the video asks, to which the driver answers: 'Yep.' Another asks several times: 'Why do you call your bus the Lolita Line?' The driver then closes the bus door and drives off. A post shared by Viviana (@ Lolita is the title of a 1955 novel by Vladimir Nabokov, in which the narrator, using the name Humbert Humbert, describes his obsession with a 12-year-old girl, Dolores Haze, whom he later kidnaps and sexually abuses after becoming her stepfather. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. A statement from the York Catholic District School Board shared by a board spokesperson says the board 'is aware of a social media video filmed at St. Michael the Archangel CES.' It notes that third-party companies provide school busing in Ontario. YCDSB staff immediately brought this matter to the bus driver's employer. The company quickly addressed this situation with its employee, and the driver will no longer provide busing to and from the school,' the statement says. 'The company has assured the YCDSB that this would not be an issue at any YCDSB school going forward.' It adds: 'All bus drivers in Ontario are required to pass a Vulnerable Sector Check with their local police department and they receive extensive training before transporting students. The YCDSB followed all of its child protection procedures after this incident.' National Post has reached out to Landmark Student Transportation, the company listed on the side of the bus, but has not yet received a reply. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .