Funds secured for Sarawak toddler Maxy’s life-saving liver transplant in Shanghai

KUCHING (March 10): In a heart-stirring display of Malaysian solidarity, the future of little Maxy Perez Davis Mancha has been transformed from one of uncertainty to one of profound hope.

In less than a week, a massive fundraising campaign successfully secured the funds needed for the Sarawakian toddler to undergo a life-saving liver transplant in Shanghai, China.

The news comes as a relief to his family, who were previously told by doctors that Maxy’s lifespan would be tragically short without the procedure.

Baby Maxy has been diagnosed with biliary atresia, a disease that silently attacks the bile ducts, gradually shutting down the liver and threatening his chance at a normal life.

For Stephanie Munira Sulan Muking, Maxy’s mother, the outpouring of support has been nothing short of a miracle.

Maxy is the youngest of three brothers, with siblings aged nine and six, and the family has been fighting an uphill battle against his deteriorating health.

“Previously, the doctors did say that Maxy’s lifespan will be short without the liver transplant.

“With the fundraising effort lasting less than a week, I’m grateful. This proves Malaysians really care about baby Maxy’s condition,” she told The Borneo Post when met at her residence in Tabuan Jaya here this afternoon.

Despite his outward appearance of stability, Maxy’s internal battle is urgent as blood tests from last month revealed high liver enzyme readings, indicating that his liver function is rapidly deteriorating.

The family is currently preparing for the journey to Shanghai, scheduled to take place after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

She said the duration of their stay in Shanghai will depend on Maxy’s post-operative recovery, which typically ranges from three weeks to a full month.

However, she added that according to doctors, even after the operation, Maxy will still require additional medical expenses, as the medicines needed will cost around RM1,500 per month.

The journey so far has been fraught with challenges, particularly the logistical difficulties of transportation and mounting medical costs.

Last year, Maxy was frequently admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for fevers and complications.

Because the transplant was recommended by specialists in SGH, the family has been traveling to Kuala Lumpur for monthly follow-ups at Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (PPUM).

“Main challenges are, of course, the funds, as we need to deal with transportation and flight costs,” Stephanie explained.

Stephanie expressed her deepest thanks to Nadi Permata Malaysia for spearheading the public appeal, as well as the influencers and citizens who amplified Maxy’s story across social media, and local media organisations such as The Borneo Post for highlighting Maxy’s story.

She also extended her gratitude to several prominent figures and organisations for their vital contributions, such as federal Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, state Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit, Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine, social activist Voon Shiak Ni, Petra Jaya parliamentary service centre, Petronas and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

As the family prepares for the next chapter of Maxy’s medical journey, the sentiment remains one of overwhelming concern from the public.

This collective kindness has given the youngest member of their family a second chance at life.

“I hope baby Maxy stays healthy and can grow up just like any other normal child,” Stephanie said.