KUCHING: Alyster Liew Tian Hao is facing the challenge of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a neurodegenerative mitochondrial disease that has caused him to lose his vision.
The 13-year-old Sarawakian boy requires RM195,000 to undergo cell therapy, which offers the potential to restore his vision.
The Community Care Enrichment Programme (CCEP) Foundation revealed that Alyster, who had excellent grades, was pursuing a music programme at a government vocational school but had to discontinue his education due to his deteriorating vision.
Alyster’s family is unable to cover the significant medical expenses, making it essential for them to seek donations to fund the life-changing treatment. The CCEP Foundation has initiated a fundraising campaign to raise the necessary funds.
Alyster’s vision problems began with a high fever in February, which persisted for two weeks before he recovered. In March, he experienced blurred vision and was subsequently diagnosed with a neurological eye condition. Despite undergoing treatments and examinations, his eyesight continued to decline.
In August, he was finally diagnosed with LHON, a condition for which traditional treatments are ineffective. After extensive research, Alyster’s father, Liew Sing Tau, learned that cell therapy offered hope for his son’s condition.
Liew, 40, works as a construction site supervisor while his wife Nelida Jawa, 38, is an assistant teacher at a local Chinese kindergarten. Besides Alyster, they have two daughters aged nine and two.
The treatment, involving three sessions spaced one month apart, is estimated to cost RM195,000. Alyster’s family is preparing for him to undergo the therapy at the Shah Alam Hospital and the Stem Cell Research Centre in Peninsular Malaysia at the end of September.
To support Alyster’s treatment and give him a chance to regain his vision, the CCEP Foundation is urging compassionate individuals to contribute. Donations can be sent to the foundation’s RHB Bank account (26219300009342) with the label “Alyster Liew Tian Hao.”
CCEP Foundation CEO, Yee Poo Yoon emphasised the importance of assisting Alyster, a talented and promising young individual who has a strong interest in music and had reached the fourth level of proficiency.
The foundation aims to raise the required funds promptly to help Alyster regain his vision and continue pursuing his passion.
For those interested in contributing or seeking further information, they can contact the CCEP Foundation at 010-2798849 or visit their website at www.ccep.org.my
