Sarawakian toddler Maxy to undergo liver transplant in Shanghai tomorrow

KUCHING (April 1): A Sarawakian family has journeyed thousands of miles to Shanghai, China, driven by hope and love, as they prepare for a life-saving liver transplant that could give their son a second chance at life.

Toddler Maxy Perez Davis Mancha 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.

Thanks to a fundraising campaign, RM200,000 was raised—the amount needed for the Sarawakian toddler to undergo the transplant.

Maxy, together with his parents Davis Mancha Terence Tanjong and Stephanie Munira Sulan Muking, arrived in Shanghai last Friday and are now at Renji Hospital awaiting the transplant.

Tomorrow, Stephanie will donate 20 per cent of her liver to Maxy.

“Tomorrow, I’ll be donating 20 per cent of my liver to Maxy. I do feel a bit nervous, but because of my love for my son, I’m willing to make that sacrifice.

“I would like to see Baby Maxy healthy like other babies,” she told The Borneo Post when contacted today.

According to Stephanie, the transplant operation will be led by Renji Hospital president Prof Xia Qiang. Their attending doctor, Dr Zhao, assured them that the surgeon heading the procedure “is the best doctor in Renji Hospital”.

Stephanie also called on those who follow on Maxy’s journey to pray for him so that the transplant goes smoothly.

“We also hope that both of us, myself and Maxy, can have a speedy recovery. I would like to see Maxy to grow healthy,” she added.