Baby Jezlin was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect during her mum’s 3rd trimester, and was referred to NUH for possible surgery after she was born. Jezlin’s first few weeks of life were in the ICU where countless checks were done on her, as she required constant monitoring. Jezlin did get discharged momentarily, but her family’s joy was short-lived as a mere month after leaving the hospital, Jezlin’s cardiologist made the call to proceed with surgery, which put Jezlin back in the ICU yet again.
During Jezlin’s second stint in the ICU, her parents Jin Ping and Elaine were referred to the Ronald McDonald House, and it soon became a place of solace for the young couple. Not only did the Ronald McDonald House provide them with a place to recharge their hearts, minds, and bodies, the couple was very surprised that a space like that (moments way from the ICU) was made available to them even during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
When asked what are three words that would first come to mind when they think about the Ronald McDonald House, the couple had to say: Goodwill, Compassion, Warm.
“We are beyond grateful to have this space to stay at, even if it was only for a few nights. It really helped (my wife’s heart) calm down, and being able to be so close to our daughter while she was fighting for her life in the ICU, really made all the difference.”
– Jin Ping, dad of Baby Jezlin
When Mira Koh Xin Rong was born, her family's journey quickly became one of resilience and hope. Diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a form of congenital heart disease, Mira underwent a life-saving heart repair surgery on 15 July. Complications during and after the operation meant that what was expected to be a critical procedure turned into a prolonged and uncertain battle – one that kept Mira in the Intensive Care Unit for five months.
After an unexpected asthma attack, Azura found herself undergoing an emergency cesarean section delivery at just 25 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy.
Siti Nur Ain and Suhaimi are parents to cheerful 18-month-old Amira Mikayla.
