Jing Mun suffered from thalassaemia since a year old.
CHONG Jing Man, 11, has been making frequent trips to the hospital since she was just a year old.
These trips are not short distance ones. Every two weeks, her father Chong Wai Keong drives her from Raub in Pahang to Kuala Lumpur to be treated for thalassaemia.
The genetic disorder has taken a toll on the family, both emotionally and financially.
After battling the illness for 10 years, Jing Man was finally given the opportunity to undergo a bone marrow transplant that could cure her.
The RM400,000 procedure took place in February and today, Jing Man is recuperating in Subang Jaya Medical Centre and being treated for a weakened immune system.
Now, Jing Man’s parents have to bear the costs incurred from the operation.
The Chongs come from a humble background and work as assistants in a coffeeshop in Raub.
Since Jing Man is in hospital, her father has been living with her while her mother recently returned to work.
Jing Man does not have any insurance coverage and for her transfusions twice a month, the Chongs have to set aside RM1,000 a month.
They also have two other children to care for.
So far, they have been aided by kind souls who have raised funds for their daughter.
They currently need about RM100,000 to finalise the outstanding medical bills.
At a press conference at Mediplex, Subang Jaya, Lions Club Subang Jaya announced it would step in to help raise funds for Jing Man.
Lions Club International district cabinet treasurer and Trinity Group managing director Datuk Neoh Soo Keat said doctors had notified them that Jing Man was the first patient to be saved with only a 50% bone marrow match.
The club hopes to raise between RM100,000 and RM150,000 for the outstanding bill and to fund Jing Man’s follow-up treatments.
A former beneficiary of Lions Club, Tan Hui Linn, a former acid attack victim, has also offered to transfer the balance of her financial aid from the club to Jing Man.
Lions Club Medical Aid Fund co-organisation chairman Adrian Lim said Tan had been offered financial aid to pursue her tertiary education.
“She graduated and is now working. She said she did not need the financial aid anymore and that she would like to channel the remaining funds to a charitable cause.
“She has chosen to transfer her funds to Jing Man,” he said.
Tan’s balance of RM31,000 will go towards paying for Jing Man’s medical fees.
Those who wish to help Jing Man can contact the Lions Club of Subang Jaya or send a letter to 25-1, Jalan Tanjung SD 13/2, Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.