A Heart For Children with Congenital Heart Defects

Hello friends!

This year for my 40th birthday, I wanted to do something which would make a difference in a child's life. There's only so much cake and celebrations one can enjoy, and I am blessed with so much in my life.

Living with the End in Mind

About 2 months ago, I stood by in awe and also grief as two of my dear friends went through the most difficult journey a parent could go through. Their baby boy was diagnosed with a serious congenital heart defect (CHD) in vitro, just a few weeks before he was born. His parents, my friends Josh and Janice never wavered in their faith and trust in God no matter what the outcome. Josh and Janice invited all of us, their community and family, to worship and praise God through it all.

When he was born, baby Jadon defied all odds when he burst into the world with a loud cry. Doctors did not expect that he could survive the birth process. However, he proved to be stronger and more determined than that.

Alas, Jadon's heart condition, Left Heart Hypoplastic Syndrome - was severe and his time on earth was short. His parents and family savoured every moment of the precious 84 hours they got to spend with baby Jadon.

Josh, Janice, and Jadon have taught me so much about valuing life, about eternity.

Thank you Jadon for teaching us all how to live with the end in mind.

Baby Jadon Rapha Jesudasan: Thank you for gracing our lives!

Josh, Janice and Jadon.

A-Heart for A-Heart

Congenital heart disease is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works.

The term "congenital" means the condition is present from birth.

Congenital heart disease is one of the most common types of birth defect, affecting almost 1 in 100 babies born in the UK. (Source: www.nhs.uk)

Although baby Jadon's condition was not qualified for surgery, there are many other babies with CHD who do benefit from live-saving heart surgeries in the early months and years of their life.

About 1 in 4 babies born with a heart defect has a critical CHD (also known as critical congenital heart defect). Babies with a critical CHD need surgery or other procedures in the first year of life.

Tucked away from the limelight and public knowledge is a wonderful charity that helps babies and children in Malaysia who have congenital heart defects (CHDs).

This charity is called A-Heart for A-Heart, and has been running for more than 25 years in Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Receipients are families from underprivileged backgrounds, including children of refugees and foreign workers. Last year alone, more than 70 patients were beneficiaries of the generous donations under this charity programme run by Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Each of those children were able to undergo a life-saving surgery because of a donation.

Costly Surgery

The surgeries can cost between tens of thousands to much, much more. Because of the urgent nature of these medical interventions, some families face the bleak reality of not being able to afford the surgery which could potentially repair their child's congenital heart defect and give them a better chance of living a healthy life.

Partner

I would like to invite my dear friends and family to partner with me to raise funds towards Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur's amazing effort to save lives through their charity programme. Every ringgit you donate will be making a lasting difference in a child's life. Because the hospital is not an NGO, they cannot accept donations directly. However, there is an NGO which has been partnering with Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, specifically helping babies with CHD. Therefore, all donations will be channeled to them through this fund, the Media Prima NSTP Humanitarian Fund.

Make a Tax-Deductible Donation

If you are paying income tax in Malaysia, you can make a tax deductible donation to Media Prima - NSTP Humanitarian Fund. Please include the code (Bday Fundraiser Gleneagles) in the transaction description. The staff at NSTP Humanitarian Fund are helping to track all donations made for this fundraiser.

All your donations will go directly to A-Heart for A-Heart charity. The bank details are as below.

Please save your transaction slip, and send an email with your full name, address and phone number to [email protected] to receive your donation receipt which can be used as a tax deduction.

Send your donations towards helping children with congenital heart defects to this fund using the transaction description: 'Bday Fundraiser Gleneagles'.

Or Use Paypal

If you prefer the convenience of a one-click donation, please do so by donating through my PayPal (link in the payment section). You will not be able to get a tax deduction this way, but it is available for those who prefer the convenience of a one-click donation. Please note that all donations will be channeled directly to the charity via the NGO as soon as the campaign is over.

Any Amount is Significant

My birthday goal is to raise RM10,000 for the cause, but of course amount is too small for a donation. You will be making a very heartfelt difference in a child's life! (like what I did there?)

Thank You

Thank you dear friends and family for your generosity and love.

Thank you to my dear friend, Janice, for allowing me to share Jadon's story.

Thank you to my piano student and also CHD warrior, Jeremy, for paving the way by raising funds for this charity years ago.