KUCHING: A seven-year-old girl battling a Global Developmental Delay (GDD) has found comfort and support through the kindness of local non-governmental organisation (NGO) Hope Place Kuching.
The NGO recently reached out to help little Iris Nur Raisya Halippuma, who has been bedridden due GDD, a condition that has left her unable to speak or move.
The visit followed a request for assistance from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), after medical staff learned of the family’s financial struggles.
Iris lives near Bako with her parents and four siblings. Her mother, Shaniza, 38, shared that Iris had shown signs of illness since she was just two months old and had been frequently hospitalised.
“However, her condition worsened and leaving her leaving her bedridden.
“Now cared for at home, Iris relies entirely on tube feeding. Though she cannot speak or move, she still recognises her family members, especially when her mother calls her name,” Hope Place Kuching said in a statement.
The NGO said Iris also experiences frequent epileptic episodes.
Her father, Halippuma, 38, works as a lorry driver to support the family, while Shaniza stays home to care for their five children, including Iris who needs constant attention.
“Shaniza feeds Iris every three hours and ensures she is comfortable since Iris cannot express her needs,” Hope Place Kuching added.
To ease their burden, the Social Welfare Department provides the family with a monthly assistance of RM500, while Baitumal has extended a one-off contribution.
Hope Place Kuching is also assisting by supplying children’s diapers and other necessities.
Members of the public who wish to help families like Iris’s can contact Hope Place Kuching (Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching) at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
