PETALING JAYA: A Selangor-based charity home is raising funds for a 13-month-old toddler who suffers from a series of health disorders including a brain and heart defect, as well as a facial nerve disorder.

       Malaysian Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Children chairman and founder Chang Ming Kiet said about RM90,000 is needed to fund Giselle Lim Min Xi’s medical and monthly expenses for a year.

       He said the girl has been receiving regular treatments and check-ups at the National Heart Institute (IJN) for her hole-in-the heart condition and mitral valve disease – the valve in her left heart chamber is unable to close properly.

       “She also suffers from a number of congenital diseases and defects, resulting in her inability to close her right eye. She also has to use a feeding tube and is undergoing a series of other treatments such as speech therapy and physiotherapy sessions,” he said.

       Chang said the girl, who started living in the centre in July last year, comes from a poor family in Klang that is unable to pay for her treatment costs. This led to her parents placing her at the home in Jalan Gasing for long-term care.

       The association started a crowdfunding effort online in late August.

       Chang said the association, formed in 2012, faced difficulties in footing the child’s expenses as it had to care for 74 special children whose monthly expenses amount to about RM100,000.

       “The pandemic has made it difficult for fundraising activities. So far, we have raised RM30,000 for the girl.”

       Those who wish to help can contact the association at 03-7960 8003 or email viniq70plus@gmail.com.