Materia Medica Malaysiana

Heart fund feels the pinch

It is always an uphill battle raising funds for charity, as Datuk Christine Vanhouten knows full well.
The former senator, now president of the Society for Sabah Heart Fund, laments the rising costs and number of patients who need help, against a backdrop of decreasing amount of donations trickling in.
"When we started the association in 1981, we used to be able to send 10 to 15 patients a year for corrective heart surgery.
"Last year, we only managed five. We have sent five this year and are in the process of sending a sixth patient," she said at her office yesterday.
The economic downturn in 1997 had probably affected people’s spending power and that, in turn, had reduced donations.
"Timber concessionaires and business owners used to donate generously, but that ceased after the downturn."
"Now we have to work extra hard to lobby for donations and raise awareness through charity dinners, marathons and public seminars. It has been quite tough."
Despite the difficulties, the association has managed to send 377 heart patients for surgery.
Of these, 90 per cent were children, most with hole-in- the-heart conditions. Almost all were from the hardcore poor.
"We will always have a long waiting list for patients who need surgery, but we can only take urgent cases first while some can end up waiting for years and years."
What makes it worthwhile for Vanhouten is when patients who have recovered and gone on to lead normal, successful lives return for a visit.
"When they come back with children in tow and offer us kind words and donations in return, it’s a great feeling.
"You know you made a difference in someone’s life."