As the strongest backbone of the family, a father always works hard for his children and shoulder the burdens for the family. Chong Kui Thiam went abroad to support his family. Unexpectedly, he injured his spine when carrying heavy objects and needed to return to Malaysia for medical treatment. Although he could not afford the medical expenses, he did not want to bear the pain any more. He decided to undergo surgery as soon as possible so that he could return to the workplace and earn money for his children to continue their education.

46-year-old Kui Thiam from Seri Kembangan, Selangor, went to work abroad about seven years ago. He often needed to carry heavy objects for renovation projects. He sprained his spine and injured the nerves at work, which affected his working ability. He ended up having to return to Malaysia. The doctor then diagnosed him with spondylolisthesis. He needed corrective surgery, but the surgical fee was high, and he was worried that if something went wrong after the surgery, no one would be able to care for his children. Hence, he chose not to undergo surgery at that time.

During that period, he tried various treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine and chiropractic. After spending all his savings, his condition did not improve. He used to work as a driver delivering goods for a local company and often needed to carry objects. However, his feet were weak after he injured his spine, and he needed to rest before continuing his work. As his physical condition had slowed down his work and affected his efficiency, his boss persuaded him to quit.

【The displacement of the lumbar spine affects his nerves. If the compression continues, he might become physically disabled in the future and will not be able to walk again】

Looking at his deteriorating condition and the worsening pain in the past six months, Kui Thiam couldn’t stand it and sought repeated treatment. The doctor said he must undergo lumbar spine surgery that costs RM28,000. Otherwise, his condition would only worsen.

On the outside, his symptoms are not obvious, but in fact, the cartilage of the lumbar spine had compressed his nerves, which also affected his blood flow, causing his feet to feel weak and numb. He can’t walk far and stand for too long. He said that if he continues to carry heavy objects, the nerve lines will be further compressed and broken, which may lead to disability, and he will no longer be able to walk.

“It is not because of my health that I want to undergo surgery soon. I also want to return to the workplace and make money so the financial burden will not fall on my wife alone. I also want to ensure that my daughter and son can continue to study and my condition will not affect their learning journey.”

Kui Thiam’s 46-year-old wife, Chong Sheau Wei, is a store promoter with a monthly salary of RM1,800. She must pay for their house loan, insurance premiums, education costs for their children, utility bills, basic living expenses and Kui Thiam’s medical bills. The monthly costs have already exceeded the family income, and they are almost finishing the savings they had saved with their hard work earlier.

Kui Thiam and Sheau Wei have a 15-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son. Their son must attend kindergarten next year, but the government’s kindergarten near their house is full. The private kindergarten is expensive. As they can’t afford to pay, they can only teach their son at home.

To support his family and care for them, Kui Thiam sought help from One Hope Charity. After reviewing the case, One Hope Charity decided to assist him in raising the RM28,000 in surgical expenses he needed. His family agreed to fully authorise One Hope Charity to take charge of the fundraising and collect donations from the eel-wishers on their behalf. Call One Hope Charity’s hotline at 04-539 9212, 016-419 2192, 019-232 2192, or 018-911 4192 if you have questions.