Saturday April 15, 2006

ALOR STAR: Two people with large tumours on their faces may be flying off to China within the next two weeks for preliminary medical checks and possible reconstructive surgery.

A team of 14 specialists has been formed at the Fuda Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou to study the condition of 18-year-old Hong Siew Hui and 25-year-old Tan Kia Khim, whose faces are distorted by large growths.

Hong has just finished her SPM while Tan is working as a coffeeshop assistant.

Kedah Chinese Assembly Hall (KCAH) secretary Cheng Lai Hock said the hospital's principal Prof Xu Kecheng started taking a special interest in Hong’s case after an article written about her was sent to him.

Hong had attracted media attention after the SPM results came out.

“Prof Xu personally came to Alor Star on April 4 to visit the girl.

“When Tan heard that the professor was in town, he also went to visit him at the girl’s house,” he said, adding that Prof Xu also gave a talk on cancer and tumour treatment to KCAH members.

Prof Xu informed Cheng that he had already lined up a team of 14 specialists to study Hong’s and Tan’s condition and advised them on possible options.

“We hope they will be treated, as it will give a ray of hope to others who suffer from similar growths,” he said.

Cheng hoped the RM200,000 required for their treatment could be collected.

The KCAH had launched a donation campaign last Saturday.

“The response towards our donation campaign has been overwhelming. So far, more than RM40,000 has been deposited directly into our medical aid bank account.

“We have yet to total up the amount collected by the six Chinese dailies that are actively participating in this donation drive,” he said.

Cheng said only one parent would be allowed to follow each patient if needed, to minimise costs.

“Even KCAH members will not be accompanying them. If we have to accompany them, we will use our own money for the trip,” he said.

Donors can send cheques made out to the “KCAH Special Medical Fund” to the assembly hall at No 8, Jalan Tanjung Bendahara, 05300 Alor Star, or deposit the money into Public Bank account number 3135-78-032-4. For further information, call 04-735 4016.