ENCOURAGEMENT

The followings are stories about all the little heroes from Malaysia. We hope parents and caregivers will find these stories encouraging.

JUSTIN

Justin was born premature at 34 weeks at 602gm due to twins to twins transfusion. My placenta malfunction and as a result Justin was the generous one contributing all the nutrients blood and oxygen supply to his twin brother, Clement. Justin stayed in the ICU for the first 6 months, on a ventilator most of the time and had 2 hernia operations.

Due to his extremely low birth weight, he had numerous infections but battling each one successfully. However, in one of the more potent viral infection, it resulted in lung and liver damage. He went home at 6 months old and had severe pneumonia 2 weeks after discharge. He was on ventilator for 1 month. As a result, Justin required 24 hours oxygen therapy and went home with home oxygen therapy and bilirubin level of 200 +. As time passes and with lots of enrouragement and prayers Justin's lung and liver began to recover and he began breathing on his own at the age of 1 1/2 years old.

No doubt, he has minor setback in his mental and physical development, he is after all a healthy, strong willed, adorable and persistent boy. He is attending early intervention programme and occupational therapy to strengten his balancing skill.

RYAN

Ryan is a brave little baby. At the time of writing (Aug '04) Ryan has stayed in the Paed. ICU for a year. More about Ryan..... (full story later)