PENANG, Wed: Sixteen-year-old Faizur Rahman Nijamudeen used to be an activel ad with a passion for sports.

His active lifestyle, however came to an end when he was diagnosed with heart disease, medically knows as artrial septal defect.

We only knew of his heart problem when he underwent surgery for hernia a month ago at the Penang Adventist Hospital.

"The doctor told us that our son needed corrective heart surgery so that he can lead a normal life," said Nijamudeen Mohd Ameerdeen, a 46-year-old salesman.

Nijamudeen and his wife, Siraju Nisha Begam, 35, have three other children aged between eight and 18.

Nijamudeen said he is the sole breadwinner in the family and with a monthly income of RM 1,900, he and his wife face difficulty saving money for Faizur’s surgery, estimated to cost RM 17,100.

"I hope the public will come forward to help my son. If he does not have the surgery as soon as possible, he may face a lot of health problems in future," Nijamudeen told a press conference at the Gift of Life Wishing Well project’s launching ceremony yesterday.

The launch, by state health, welfare and caring society committee chairman Datuk Dr K Rajapathy, was held at the Berjaya Georgetown Hotel.

Donations for Faizur’s surgery as well as for other similar cases can be channeled to Gift of Life Account 2, The Rotary Club of Penang, c/o Jalan Kelawei, 10250 Penang or Heart Patients’ Fund, Penang Adventist Hospital, 465 Jalan Burma, 10350 Penang.

Donors are to write “Gift of Life” behind the cheque.

For enquiries, call 04-2266331, 04-2261133 ext 1259/1265, or e-mail foundation@pah.com.my.

Meanwhile, Rajapathy called on all sectors of the society to contribute generously to the Gift of Life programme as it will help many people to undergo corrective heart surgeries and lead normal lives.

A total of 56 wishing wells were purchased from the United States to raise funds for the Gift of Life programme.

So far, two wells have been placed at two supermarkets and the third was placed at the Berjaya Georgetown Hotel lobby yesterday.