Give the Gift Of Hearing

Dear Friends,

I wish to share with you the story of my friend's niece, Baby Jeralyn, who was born with hearing impaired on both sides of her ears. It was left unnoticed until she was much older, when she couldn’t speak like a normal child of her age and shouted extremely loud whenever she needed attention from the adults at home. She was brought to see an ENT specialist and diagnosed with bilateral profound hearing loss, the recommended treatment is cochlear implant surgeries on both ears and the estimated surgery cost was RM200,000 (excluding any scan and tests, pre and post-surgery). As the condition was congenital, her parents are unable to claim the surgery cost from any medical insurance.

Despite all the financial challenges, the doctor had advised for the surgery to be done soonest possible (in Nov 15) as the delay in speech does not only affect her future learning, but would also lead to the disability to talk, and she will need to adopt sign language as a way of communication if this has become a habit.

The surgery cost of RM200,000 (or SGD66,000) is definitely too much to bear for a normal income working family like Baby Jeralyn's parents. However, if we have many people coming forward to help them, using the divide and conquer strategy, then it may not be such a big amount after all. E.g. P2P has 7,000 members now and each member just help to donate $2 each, we would have gathered $14,000 or 20% of the total cost. This is the impact of the multiplier effect, we can do more if everyone come forward to contribute a small amount each.

I appeal to all our kind friends here to give a small amount (an amount within ur means) and pool together our efforts to give this precious gift of hearing to a young child, who has yet to hear a single sound in her life. I may be giving up on a trip to my favorite restaurant for this month but it is okay, because what I am giving up on for one month can translate into a lifetime of opportunities for Baby Jeralyn when she regains her hearing. The future will be bright for her if we come together to help her.

I once asked a friend, who is a very active volunteer, why she is so enthusiastic in helping others. She told me that years ago when she was broke, people around her helped her, donated her furniture and it is now time for her to pay the kindness forward. The people we helped today are not going to be needy forever, someday they are going to stand on their feet and pass the kindness forward. Who knows, we or our loved ones may be on the receiving end of it smile emoticon

Friends, if you can join me to make a pledge to make a difference, pls leave a comment in this post. Your contribution, no matter the amount (even $1), is your biggest encouragement and gift to Baby Jeralyn and her parents. Every dollar received is one dollar closer to the target.

I start the ball rolling with my humble contribution:

Pledge List:
1. Jason - $20
2. Myrna - $10
3. Xinlei - $20
4. VJ - $5
5. Sonie - $11
6. Vivian Yap - $10
7. Geri Yoong - $50
8. Jenny Tan - $20
9. Gwendolen Lim - $50
10. Malvin Chiang - $10
11. Shin - $50
12. Betty Lau - $20
13. Cecilia Ang - $50
14. 秀玲梓瑄 - $20
15. Agnes Loh - $10
16. Chitra Cyn - $30
17. Siti - $20
18. Chriss Tan - $20
19. Wen Xiang - $20
20. Cindy See/ Jaden Tong - $10
21. Vivian Cheah - $20
22. Raymond Ho - $50
23. Dovan Ong - $50
24. Jo Lum - $10
25. FH Chan - $20
26. Josephine Tang - $20
27. Joyce Tan - $20
28. Feby - $20
29. Shi-ann - $100
30. Jasmine Tham - $50
31. Trixia Chua - $50
32. Albert Poh - $50
33. Miluna - $50
34. Ellie - $50
35. ML Lew - $50
36. Ignatius Ong - $100
37. Sandra Yeoz - $20
38. Chitra Cyn - $30
39. Jin Yeo - $20
40. Sharon Leong - $20
41. Vicknes - $25
42. Jo An - $20
43. Elsie - $20
44. Lijuan - $20
45. Anonymous G - $20
46. Sandy Lee - $100

Total amount: $1461

The account number to transfer to is:

Bank: DBS Singapore
Account Type: DBS Current Account
Account Number: 163-000252-8
Account Name: Chee Geik Kooi

Rest assured that all donation will managed in the most transparent way. Should you have any queries, pls feel free to ask as well.

Thank you all very much for your love and kindness !

More info at:
https://www.facebook.com/FundRaisingForBabyJeralyn