Men don’t cry easily, but after years of fighting the disease, Ong Khai Hean was exhausted and almost gave up. However, when he thought of his wife and daughter, and for the sense of responsibility and belief as the head of the family, Khai Hean decided to be strong for another time. He wanted to hold on to the hope of life. Yet, he and his family are living from hand to mouth. Hence, he pleaded for help for RM150,000 in medical expenses.

Khai Hean, a 41-year-old man from Butterworth, Penang, was the owner of a mobile phone shop. He suffered from persistent fever out of a sudden, and after examination, the doctor diagnosed him with Myelodysplastic Syndrome with excess blast (DS-EB). After going through a series of chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation and a difficult rejection period, he once returned to his everyday life.

However, the cancer cells turned into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), so his doctor recommended for a second bone marrow transplant. His younger brother’s bone marrow was suitable for transplantation, but his insurance did not cover all the medical expenses of the bone marrow donor. In addition, he has to pay for the rejection medication, vitamins, supplements, and the platelets he needs during blood transfusions after the transplant. Khai Hean was unable to bear the medical expenses of RM150,000 and could only seek help from One Hope Charity.

【Fortunately, Khai Hean’s two siblings had matching bone marrow and were suitable for donation. They were all set for the bone marrow transplantation】

Khai Hean had a persistent fever for two weeks in 2019. He went to the hospital for a check-up. A blood test result showed that he had Myelodysplastic Syndrome with excess blast. The doctor referred him to the general hospital, and he went through a series of chemotherapy for nearly half a year. After that, the doctor recommended a bone marrow transplant.

At that time, his elder sister was suitable for donating bone marrow. Khai Hean underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2020. After the transplant, he suffered severe rejection. In addition to blackened skin, he also suffered from haemorrhage and was on the verge of death. After six months of treatment in the hospital, his condition gradually improved, but he had a taste disorder. He could only taste bitterness and saltiness, and his antibody levels were low. The patient has been recuperating at home for two years after the bone marrow transplant due to the risk of infection. The doctor also discouraged him from working.

In 2023, Khai Hean experienced recurring fevers. After the test, the doctor confirmed that his leukemia had relapsed. As there was a long queue for medical treatment at the time, and he had insurance coverage, the doctor suggested that he transfer to a specialist hospital for a year’s follow-up treatment.

After completing chemotherapy, the doctor recommended he undergo a second bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, his 31-year-old brother’s bone marrow is suitable for donation. The doctor expected that after completing the last cycle of chemotherapy in early June, Khai Hean could use his brother’s 60% matching bone marrow for transplantation. The estimated cost is between RM350,000 and RM400,000. However, the annual insurance limit of RM1 million cannot fully cover the treatment expenses.

As the patient’s platelet count is low, he must undergo a platelet transfusion every week based on his needs. The insurance daily limit for the medical ward is RM150, but he needs an isolation ward. Therefore, he must bear the price difference for the ward. In addition, he requires nutritional supplements, specific medications, and food, which are not covered by the claim limit of his insurance.

Khai Hean used to own a mobile phone shop in Perai, earning between RM5,000 and RM6,000 monthly. However, he has closed down the business since he had cancer. His 38-year-old wife, was a clerk with a monthly salary of RM1,800. However, since her husband became ill, she has resigned to care for him and their eight-year-old daughter.

The couple now relies on monthly aid from Socso, as well as some financial assistance from their relatives and friends, to barely support their basic living expenses. Hence, they seek help for his medical expenses.

After reviewing the case following a home visit, One Hope Charity decided to assist the patient in raising the medical expenses he needed. Additionally, ONE HOPE CHARITY will allocate RM10,000 from the "Emergency Medical & Contingency Fund" to assist with the case. Contact One Hope Charity’s hotline at 04-539 9212, 016-419 2192, 019-232 2192, or 018-911 4192 if you have any questions.