It was smooth sailing for Chai Mui Lee during her first year of motherhood.
However, the 34 year old had been living a nightmare in the past few months because her 19-month-old toddler had poor appetite and was often panting while being fed.
Teo Cai Wai has also barely grown compared with other children her age as she weighs only 6kg.
Chai took her daughter to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru for a check-up and initially, doctors diagnosed her as having a feeding problem.
After their second trip to the hospital, Teo was referred to Gleaneagles Kuala Lumpur and was diagnosed as having congenital heart defect with two holes in her heart.
"I was speechless when the doctor told me and my husband that our baby will not be able to have a normal life without surgery."
Chai said her daughter needed RM40,000 for surgery, which was scheduled on Monday.
Chai and her husband, Teo Yiam Seng, 43, found it hard to come up with the money for the operation.
Chai works in a factory in Kulai and earns RM700 a month while her husband is a welder and earns RM1,500.
Those who wish to help them can send cheques, made payable to the New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, with the child's name written on the reverse to: The Cashier, Finance Department/Charity Unit, The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, Balai Berita, No 31, Jalan Riong, 59100, Kuala Lumpur.
