KUCHING: A fundraising campaign for seven-month-old baby Nur Imarah, who’s suffering from health complications, has amassed nearly RM7,000 from various parties.
The heartbreaking story of Nur Imarah gained attention on the social media after several concerned parties appealed for public donations to buy medical equipment.
The infant suffers from excess fluid in the brain as well as intestinal and lung problems since birth which require her to be fed using milk pump.
The waste from her body is collected in a stoma bag, which is a pouch made from a soft, waterproof material.
Due to financial constraints, it has become immensely difficult for her family to get a constant supply of medical equipment such as stoma bags.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said he was very proud of Malaysians, especially in Kuching, who were willing to contribute little by little to Nur Imara’s family to ease their burden.
“When there is a handful of people who are experiencing hardships, everyone – regardless of background – comes forward to contribute.
“In fact, this donation collection campaign also receives donations from an individual abroad,” Lo disclosed during a visit to Nur Imarah’s home in Kampung Haji Baki here today (Wednesday).
Meanwhile, a cheque for the money collected during the fundraising campaign was handed over to the founder of Grab Jenazah Free (free hearse van service), Wan Huzaimi who received it on behalf of Nur Imarah’s family.
The baby’s mother, Pupasari Sebawi, 34, said her youngest child has the complication since birth.
“Nur Imara was delivered via caesarean section. After her birth, she was taken to the operating room because her back had no flesh and skin.
“Then the hospital told me that Nur Imarah’s intestines could not function to control her digestive system. Her bodily functions including the taking of medication and breastfeeding had to be assisted using tubes.
“Every four hours, I would manage her urine and the stoma bag had to be changed every two weeks,” she explained.
Although Nur Imara suffered from various complications since birth, Puspasari revealed that her baby was very active.
She added that after being in the hospital for so long, Nur Imarah was finally allowed to leave the hospital about a month ago.
“I’ve trained myself to take care of her. So far, my biggest challenge is having next to no rest. However, I am thankful to the many people who had helped my family, especially the team from Grab Jenazah Free who extended a lot of assistance in terms of basic necessities,” she said.
