PENANG, Sun – Three-month-old Eh Wai Siang who had two holes in his heart and two major arteries in reverse positions, is now smiling happily without having to gasp for breath.

Little Wai Siang is breathing normally, thanks to the heart surgery he underwent last month. The operation was made possible by the Penang Adventist Hospital’s gift of life programme.

The programme, a joint effort by the Rotary International and the hospital, has benefited 32 local and 25 children from Cambodia, Indonesia and the Phillipines since its inception last year.

Touched by the programme’s charity mission, Wai Sian’s aunt, Grace Tong, initiated a fund-raising effort. Tong, 26, and her friends have raised RM2,000 to date. Their aim is to raise RM10,000.

"I wish other beneficiaries of the programme will do likewise to sustain the programme," Tong said after handing the cheque to the programme’s committee member, Goh Cheng Siew, who is also the company’s secretary.

Tong has been authorized to collect only cheques payable to "Heart Patients’ Fund" or "The Rotary Club of Penang Gift of Life Account 2".

Alternatively, donations can be channeled to Development Office, Penang Adventist Hospital, No 465, Jalan Burma, 10350 Penang.

For further information, contact Rachel Phoon at 04-2261133 or e-mail: foundation@pah.com.my or visit the hospital’s website at www.pah.com.my.