RM1.2 mil raised in 29 hours for premature M’sian baby born in S’pore

SINGAPORE – There is hope for a Malaysian premature baby who was born in Singapore, as an urgent fundraising exercise to secure RM1.2 million launched from Malaysia for her medical expenses was completed in 29 hours.

“Both her parents and the public from all over the world have given the infant, who was born at just 24 weeks, the faith to fight for her life,” said Penang-based One Hope Charity & Welfare in announcing the completion of the exercise yesterday.

The fundraising exercise, which began on Sunday, stopped about 5.45pm yesterday after it achieved its goal.

Currently, micro preemie Eloise Ang Xuan Rui has shown significant willpower to live, the group said on Facebook.

“Her growth development has been positive, her body weight has gradually increased, and the baby can be safely incubated until her growth development is complete.

“If her condition is stable, the hospital can arrange for transfer to a hospital in Malaysia for observation,” said the NGO.

It also shared photos of Eloise, with her body covered in tubes.

The baby girl was born weighing only 670g with a body the size of a human palm.

One Hope Charity said the medical fee was estimated at around S$400,000 (RM1.25 million). Her parents, who both work in the republic, could only bear around RM50,000 of the costs.

Mother Koh Pei Ying, 29, gave birth to Eloise on February 22 at 3am, after suffering abdominal pain since February 19.

According to One Hope Charity, Eloise, who is now in the neonatal intensive care init for incubation for about 160 days, came into the world in less than 28 weeks, making her a “micro preemie”.

“Her skin was nearly transparent so that her bloodstream could be seen with the naked eye. Not only must great care be taken with her, she has to be constantly monitored for the most minute changes.

“Because she was born at only 24 weeks of gestational age, many of her organs have not fully developed yet, including her lungs and her brain,” the group said, without disclosing the name of the hospital in Singapore.

“Not only were donations received from benevolent donors in Malaysia, but contributions were also from Singapore, Brunei, Taiwan, the US and many other countries, giving blessings to the strong-willed micro preemie,” said the NGO. – Bernama, March 2, 2021