Melaka mom gives up half her liver for her baby

 

Noreen Ismail, 35, had to seek donations from the public to raise RM250,000 for a liver transplant in China.

MELAKA: A 35-year-old woman has shown that nothing compares to a mother's love after she gave up half of her liver to her daughter who suffers from Biliary Atresia, a condition that can be fatal.

Noreen Ismail, 35, had to seek donations from the public to raise RM250,000 for a liver transplant in China, but she was intent on saving the life of her youngest child, Nur Khayla Azzahra Mohamed Khairul Idhham.

The 20-month-old baby was born with Biliary Atresia, a condition that prevents bile from flowing into the intestine, resulting in it building up in the liver and damaging it.

On April 19, after raising enough funds, Noreen and Nur Khayla left for Shangai for the surgery.

"Alhamdulillah, so far my daughter's body is accepting my liver. That is what every donor wants, that there will be no rejection (by the body)," she said, adding her prayers have been answered.

"(It is a) bittersweet feeling to see my child suffering, but her itch (a symptom of Biliary Atresia) has disappeared after receiving part of my liver. I thank the Almighty and all the donors."

The mother of three also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his concern for her and Nur Khayla.

Noreen and her Nur Khayla are now under observation at a regular ward at the hospital in Shangai. Noreen is recovering well and can already walk.

Her husband, Mohamed Khairul Idhham Khairuddin, 38, said he was relieved that Noreen and Nur Khayla were in stable condition.

"Please pray for them, that their recovery goes well," he said, adding his wife and daughter are expected to be discharged in two to three weeks. - NST