‘That’s what any mother would want’: a wish for little Rayhan

 A single mum in Kedah is seeking support for her two-year-old son, whose rare brain condition requires ongoing medical care.

Two-year-old Rayhan has a rare brain condition that requires medical attention, nutritional support and daily care. (Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda pic)

PETALING JAYA:

For the first three months of Rayhan’s life, his mother had no idea anything was seriously wrong. He seemed like any other baby, with nothing to prepare her for the diagnosis that would follow.

Then came a worrying spell of illness. Rayhan vomited for a week, his tummy became swollen, and he struggled to go to the toilet normally. Blood tests were carried out as doctors investigated what was happening to her little boy.

He was eventually diagnosed with hydranencephaly, a rare condition in which most of the brain’s cerebral hemispheres are absent. His mother now faces questions about his health and a future she had never expected.

Rayhan is two today, and his mum’s wishes for him are simple. “I just want him to be able to sit up, walk, and be healthy. That’s what any mother would want,” she shared in a video.

As a single mother, she is trying to give him the care he needs while keeping up with living expenses. His special milk formula alone uses up a substantial share of the money available.

“Four boxes of milk powder already cost RM600. Then I still have to pay rent, electricity and water … it’s all money. It’s very difficult,” she expressed.

Rayhan’s best chances of treatment require them to travel to Penang for further specialist assessment. For his mother, getting him there from their home in Kedah means finding money for each journey while making sure there is still enough for his daily needs.

Thankfully, they now have the support of Pusat Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda, which has stepped in to help raise the funds required. The welfare NGO hopes to collect approximately RM16,000 to ease the pressure on his mother and help Rayhan receive medical attention and everyday care.

The funds will cover examinations, specialist assessments and treatment, together with formula milk, nutritional support, diapers and other necessities. They will also help with transport between Kedah and Penang.

Contributions can help meet little Rayhan’s needs each day, giving Rayhan’s mother a little breathing room as she looks after her son. (Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda pic)

There are still decisions ahead about Rayhan’s treatment. Specialists must assess his brain scans and physical condition before determining whether surgery could help manage complications involving the fluid around his brain.

No treatment can replace the brain tissue that is missing, and surgery cannot promise the milestones his mother longs for. But medical care can address complications and support his comfort, while reliable access to milk and supplies can make a difference to his daily life.

For his mother, these everyday needs continue between appointments: her little boy still needs to be fed, changed and cared for, and she still has household bills to meet. VCare welcomes contributions of any amount to help pay for the things that have become such a source of worry.

His mother cannot know what Rayhan will eventually be able to do. But she wants to give him every opportunity to receive the support he needs.

A helping hand now would allow her to spend less time worrying about how to afford it, and more time simply being there for her child. - FMT

If you wish to help, send your contribution to Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) account 0219 0411 0012 2711 (Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda).

Please use the reference ‘CASE51’ or ‘RAYHAN’. For confirmation of your donation, send them a WhatsApp message with the transaction slip.

For further information, contact Jeanna Goh at 016-337 2749. Find out more about Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda here.