Parents of baby breathing through tube appreciate PM’s concern

 

Azlan Ishak and his son Aariz Zafran Azlan, who has several serious health problems, including chronic lung disease, enlarged spleen and gastroesophageal reflux disease. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The parents of an 11-month-old baby forced to rely on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) breathing device due to a chronic lung disease were touched when they heard their plight had received the attention of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The baby’s father, Azlan Ishak, 36, said he and his wife Norhidayu Halim, 35, were thankful to netizens who shared the photograph of them on social media, gaining public attention including that of the prime minister, who has offered to help.

“I was touched and surprised when I heard that our story had reached the prime minister’s attention. We were worried that we would be criticised by netizens, but I am also grateful for the netizens that shared our story,” he said.

Speaking to Bernama at their home in Taman Kota Nelayan near Alor Setar, Kedah, Azlan said he works as a helper at a fishing rig in Kuala Kedah, and is only paid RM50 a day.

He said they particularly need help with transportation to and from the hospital.

“I have heard some are willing to help and give us a car, but I’m not sure if that’s true. We really do need a vehicle, especially now that it’s the rainy season. It’s difficult to take our child to the hospital (on a motorcycle),” he said.

Previously, a photograph of the parents and child riding a motorcycle to the hospital went viral on social media, catching the attention of Anwar who said he wanted to help them improve their daily lives.

Meanwhile, Norhidayu, who is a housewife, said they need to lighten the family’s burden as Azlan is the sole income earner and they also need to look after his mother, who became disabled two years ago.

“That is why we don’t have a car and are forced to go to and from the hospital on a motorcycle. Taking taxis is expensive and we can’t afford that. Food also costs a lot at the hospital,” she added.

Norhidayu said her son, Aariz Zafran, has been diagnosed with several serious health issues since he was two months old, including chronic lung disease, enlarged spleen, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

“My son has been forced to wear a CPAP machine full-time. The doctor allows him to ‘rest’ an hour in the morning and another in the evening when he bathes. If he doesn’t wear it, he has difficulty breathing and turns blue in the face,” she said.

Norhidayu said that besides Aariz Zafran, her other son with her ex-husband, Iman Fayruzz Mikhail Abdul Rahim, aged 9, has a hole in the heart and requires treatment at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital.

“If Aariz and his older brother’s dates at the hospital coincide, all four of us ride the motorcycle together. We cannot afford to pay for e-hailing,” she said, adding that Aariz Zafran can only drink milk through a tube, and sometimes runs out of milk as it is expensive.

Norhidayu has three other children from her earlier marriage – Ahmad Hafizi, 17 (who has cerebral palsy); Ahmad Amirul Amin, 14; and Nur Rabbiatul Husna, four.

The couple said their only hope at the moment is to give their children the best treatment possible so they can heal and grow up like other children. - FMT