"One week after my child was born, she was diagnosed with a heart defect due to a heart murmur. I felt incredibly guilty and even fell into depression. But seeing her smile so joyfully reminded me that I need to stay strong. I hope she can undergo surgery soon and have a complete, healthy heart,” shared her mother, Kuah Swee Ping.

18-month-old Elaine Yong Yu Fei, from Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole in the septum of her heart. To complicate matters, a small fiber-like tissue has obstructed her aorta. Doctors have advised that she undergo a VSD closure surgery and subaortic membrane resection as soon as possible. Without the surgery, her heart will progressively weaken, putting her life at risk.

Her parents welcomed their baby girl with immense joy, only to learn soon after her birth that she had a congenital heart defect. The mother has been wracked with guilt and anxiety, worried that her child’s condition might worsen. She fervently hopes for her daughter’s surgery to save her life, but the RM 80,000 required for the operation is beyond their means.

【Baby Girl Born with Rapid Breathing; New Heart Defect Discovered at 9 Months, Surgery Needed Urgently Despite Medication】

Parents overjoyed to welcome their first child, yet newborn faces heart challenges after a smooth pregnancy and delivery. After a smooth pregnancy and birth, parents welcomed their daughter, Elaine Yong Yu Fe, into the world with joy. Although she initially required a two-day hospital stay for mild jaundice, she was soon discharged in stable condition. However, once back at the confinement center, a nurse noticed her breathing was rapid, with diaphragm retractions, and advised her parents to seek medical evaluation. A doctor detected an abnormal heart murmur, and she was promptly referred to the Central Hospital for further tests. Elaine was diagnosed with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), a hole in her heart, which initially was managed through medication, with the hope that it might close on its own.

Nine months later, there was good news—the ASD had indeed closed naturally. Yet, in a disappointing turn of events, doctors discovered a second defect, a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). At a recent follow-up, her condition was reported to have worsened, and doctors recommended urgent surgery, though the procedure remains unscheduled due to its complexity.

After consulting with several specialists, the parents were able to confirm the necessary surgical approach. However, the cost—estimated at RM 80,000—poses a tremendous financial burden on the family, who now seek support to ensure Elaine can grow up healthy and strong.

Elaine’s father, Yong Chuan Swee (36), is a carpenter, and her mother, Kuah Swee Ping (32), works as an accounting officer. As a modest-income family, they have turned to the One Hope Charity and Welfare for assistance.

Following a home assessment, One Hope Charity has committed to raising the funds required for Elaine’s surgery. The family has entrusted all fundraising efforts to One Hope Charity, and they kindly request the public’s help. Those wishing to contribute may contact the following hotlines: 04-539 9212, 016-419 2192, 019-232 2192, or 018-911 4192.