Urgent Appeal to Raise S$94,436 and Help Save Baby Oahida’s Life

In March 2023, Mr. Masum left Bangladesh to work as a construction worker in Singapore, aiming to provide a better future for his family. Two months later, in April, his wife, Mdm Farjana, and their 7-month-old daughter, Oahida, joined him for what was meant to be a brief visit. However, their plans were shattered when Oahida’s health suddenly turned for the worse.

Symptoms that led to a critical diagnosis

On April 19, 2023, Mdm Farjana noticed Oahida was distressed, with poor appetite and difficulty eating. Over the next few days, Oahida cried constantly, appeared breathless, and vomited multiple times. By April 22, Oahida had trouble moving, and her skin started turning blue. That night, Mdm Farjana and Mr. Masum rushed her to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) in Singapore. Upon arrival, Oahida was immediately admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU).

Medical tests on April 22, 2023, revealed that Oahida was suffering from Severe Mitral Regurgitation — a critical heart condition where blood leaks backward through a valve in her heart.

What is Severe Mitral Regurgitation?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Severe Mitral Regurgitation (MR) is a serious heart condition where the mitral valve, located between the heart’s left chambers, fails to close properly.

Photo courtesy of Cleveland Clinic

This causes blood to flow backward into the heart’s upper left chamber (left atrium) when the heart contracts. Over time, this backward flow can lead to various complications if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of Severe Mitral Regurgitation

Common symptoms of severe MR, as outlined by the American Heart Association, include:

Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion or when lying flat.
Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or lacking energy.
Heart Palpitations: Sensation of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats.
Swelling: Fluid buildup in the legs or abdomen due to heart failure.
Cough: Persistent cough, often with pink or white frothy sputum.

In Baby Oahida’s case, her symptoms were having poor appetite, having difficulty moving, experiencing shortness of breath as well as vomiting.

Severity and Prognosis

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Severe Mitral Regurgitation (MR) varies in seriousness from mild to severe, based on how much blood leaks backward during each heartbeat. In cases like Baby Oahida’s, severe MR can greatly affect heart function and overall health. Without treatment, it can lead to complications such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, and potentially life-threatening infections of the heart lining.

Financial Strain

Mr. Masum and his family face a heavy financial burden. Even with his recent promotion to safety supervisor and extra hours worked, his monthly earnings of up to $1,300 aren’t enough to cover the estimated $65,584 needed for Oahida’s surgery, plus possible costs after the operation. If there are complications, expenses could rise to $94,436—a daunting sum for a family already having difficulty making ends meet.

Collective Effort

The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) has been assisting the family, but their resources are limited. Now, we turn to you, compassionate individuals, for help. Together, we can make a life-saving difference for Oahida.

How You Can Help

As of now, the family has managed to raise S$19,867 out of the required S$94,436 which is only 21% of the fund target. Please consider donating to Baby Oahida’s fundraising campaign on Ray of Hope. Everyone’s generosity will not only provide crucial financial support but also give Oahida a chance at a healthy future. Every contribution counts, no matter the size.

Supporting Baby Oahida’s Recovery

Mr. Masum first contacted the National Heart Foundation in Bangladesh, but they cannot perform Baby Oahida’s needed surgery at her current age. Waiting until she is 4 years old could make her condition worse. The surgery in Singapore is estimated to cost $65,584, with potential additional expenses of $94,436 if complications arise. Additionally, any extra funds raised will help cover their hospital bills.

The Family’s Situation

Mr. Masum’s family had more difficulties because their hospital stay was longer than their rental lease in Singapore. They are now looking for a new place to stay with the help of the community.

Everyone can help by sharing Oahida’s story with others. Together, the community can give Oahida a chance and bring hope to her family during this tough time. Their compassion and support are greatly appreciated.

To understand more about Mitral valve regurgitation, watch here: