Weighing less than a bag of rice at birth, Baby Lin faces critical medical challenges while her parents struggle with overwhelming costs.
Born at just 28 weeks, Baby Lin Mya Yii Thiaw is fighting for her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Her parents, both Singapore permanent residents, are not only navigating a difficult medical journey but are also grappling with the immense financial burden of her care.
Originally expected to arrive on 11 April, Baby Lin was delivered via an emergency C-section after her mother, Mrs Aung, realised she could no longer feel her baby’s movements. At the hospital, doctors determined that the baby had low oxygen levels due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a condition that hinders proper foetal development.
Describing his daughter as a “tiny warrior,” Mr Aung shared on the crowdfunding platform Give.Asia that she weighed just 680 grams at birth—lighter than a bag of rice. “From the moment she arrived, she has been fighting for her life,” he wrote.
Since her birth, Baby Lin has faced numerous complications, including fluctuating oxygen levels and infections. However, she has shown signs of improvement. Her weight has increased to 910 grams, and her lungs have strengthened enough for doctors to gradually reduce her dependence on mechanical ventilation.
In a previous update, Mr Aung shared two significant milestones in her recovery: the absence of brain bleeding and the successful closure of a hole in her heart. Despite these positive developments, her condition remains fragile.
While the couple has lived in Singapore for 17 years, their permanent resident status limits their access to financial aid and subsidies. Even after MediSave deductions, the cost of Baby Lin’s medical care is projected to exceed S$192,000.
“We are doing everything we can, but we cannot face this challenge alone,” Mr Aung stated.
So far, generous donors have contributed over S$27,400. Donations made through Give.Asia are sent directly to KKH to support Baby Lin’s hospitalisation, life-saving treatments, ventilator support, medication, and specialised neonatal care.
Those who wish to help can contribute via Baby Lin’s Give.Asia crowdfunding page.
