10 Milestones That Will Bring You To Tears

Our daughter's first birthday back in 2015

I sit here, thinking to myself: how on earth do we parents are able to process everything! From our emotions of becoming a new parent, pride and joy when our baby learn something new, feeling afraid and fear of bad incident and uncertain future, unbridled joy when we hear our children laugh and so many other emotions that comes through on daily basis.

All mixed together like waves in the ocean. An ocean of unconditional love. To be a parent is rewarding and witnessing these memorable milestones will bring memories of how much you have achieved. So, here are 10 milestone that you might not realize. But now that you know, maybe you might cry too. Lets take a trip down to memory lane...

1. WHEN YOU CAN FINALLY CARRY YOUR BABY ON YOUR HIPS.

Gone are the days when your little bundle of joy seemed to fit in the palm of your hand, that moment when you realise you can’t cradle him or her in the crook of your arm is a moment of profound wonder; where has the time gone, how have they grown so big so fast!

2. MAKING SPACE FOR BIGGER CLOTHING SIZES.

The nostalgic ritual of sorting out their old clothes to make space for the new is sure to bring back a flood of memories. Which events did they wear that special outfit for?

3. YOUR BABY’S FIRST TIME SMILING BACK AT YOU.

This is one of the earliest signs of love your baby can show you, a little smile of contentment can creep out just from hearing your voice or being surrounded in your comforting scent.

Our second child Noah discover the joy of bath time. He really enjoy splashing the water.

4. BATH TIME AND BABY LAUGHS WHEN THEY DISCOVER SPLASHING.

The look of pure joy on your baby’s face when they first learn the joy of water play is sure to be etched upon your hearts.At this point, you will also discover how infectious baby laughter can be. Probably the most beautiful noise you will ever hear.

5. YOUR FIRST BABY DIAPER ACCIDENT.

This one will probably lead you to tears of a different kind... An eye watering experience for sure. Every parents will have their share of diaper accidents.

6. YOUR BABY’S FIRST BITE OF SOLID FOOD.

Your baby is growing every day. Although it will be some time yet before they can be fully weaned, this proud moment is a big achievement for every parents. Baby starting their Stage One solids is a big deal.

7. BABY’S FIRST LONGER STRETCH OF SLEEP.

Tears of joy are sure to flow from parents whom are able to grab a few more precious hours of sleep. Nothing can prepare you for the sleep deprivation you feel when you have a new baby.

Our recent trip to Kuala Lumpur as a family. Noah smiling widely showing 6 of his baby teeth! Roar!

8. BABY’S FIRST TOOTH.

Baby’s first tooth is an event of mixed emotions, they are growing up but it is a painful process to watch, and say goodbye to those longer sleeping sessions...

9. BABY’S FIRST WORD.

Almost nothing compares to that moment when your little baby can finally call you “Mama” or “Dada”, it’s the start of their language journey and a huge emotion filled milestone.

10. BABY’S FIRST STEPS

The big one! Your little one is no longer a baby, now they enter the toddler stage; those first staggering, awe inspiring steps will soon turn into running strides, don’t get comfortable you’ll be chasing them alot from now on!

What's your favourite milestones that made you cry? I would love to hear from you. You can email to me at editor@parentsavenue.com <3 

Global Citizenship: What does it mean for education today?

Written by Mrs Margaret Renshaw

Assistant Principal and Head of Secondary, Kinabalu International School.
Panel of Educational Experts, Parents Avenue Magazine

In ever increasingly connected societies, many educationalists are grappling with the concept of global citizenship and of maximizing its potential to create a better world for everybody. Schools are reviewing their Missions and Values statements to reflect their commitment to developing global citizens.

But what does it mean to be a ‘Global Citizen’? There are many definitions, and if you ask 100 people you may get 100 different statements in their answers. However, you will probably hear some common themes: ‘it involves caring for the planet’, ‘it involves respecting others’, ‘it means understanding other cultures’.

Oxfam [2015] sees the global citizen as someone who:

• is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen

• respects and values diversity

• has an understanding of how the world works

• is passionately committed to social justice

• participates in the community at a range of levels, from the local to the global

• works with others to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place

• takes responsibility for their actions

If we hope for a better world for our children, it makes sense that education and schools should be at the forefront of promoting the ideas surrounding global citizenship. It would be fair to say that ideas of respect, understanding and caring have always been central to parental and educational philosophies; global citizenship ties these together in a strong and coherent way to maximise benefits to children, and ultimately to the world in which we all live.

Boyd Roberts, author of Educating for Global Citizenship: A Practical Guide for Schools asserts that a global citizen also has a sense of connectedness with and responsibility to others, other species and the environment, understands interconnectedness and complexity, can see the world through the eyes of others, and most positively, views the future with hope.

Some might think that a school cannot actively nurture global citizenship unless it is an international school with students and staff from a range of different cultures. This is a misunderstanding; there are many schools around the world that are mono-cultural and are doing great things in nurturing and developing students with all the appropriate qualities that make them global citizens. Others believe that you cannot be a global citizen unless you can and have travelled to other countries to experience other cultures directly. Again, not true.

At Kinabalu International School we are fortunate in having over thirty different nationalities within the student body. We celebrate and respect all cultures, and this can be seen in the special occasions that we organize, including our annual International Day celebrations, Chinese New Year celebrations, and the recent Kaamatan celebration. Whilst these wonderful events are important and cannot be undervalued, we know that building global citizenship goes deeper.

At KIS we are in the process of developing our own definition of global citizenship. This work has been carried forward over the last eight months by a cross-phase group of staff that has been reviewing our philosophy and objectives. In the coming year we plan to finalise our definitions and then embed them into the life of the school in all its aspects, not a small job by any means! In this we are supported by the Council of International Schools (CIS).

KIS is an CIS accredited school and we are already looking ahead to the next two years when we will be using the framework of the new CIS International Protocol to structure our development in global citizenship and intercultural and intracultural education.

At a CIS organized symposium on intercultural education [Hong Kong March 2018] educators from around the world came together to share expertise and ideas in two parallel forums: Strand A: Whole school global citizenship: Designing and implementing effective strategy and Strand B: Moving beyond international mindedness: Teaching and learning strategies for global citizenship.

Professor Michael Young from the Institute of Education, the University of London, spoke about starting from the ‘end product’ and ‘working backwards’, his advice being that we start by looking at the kind of young people that we would like to see, what kind of qualities would we like them to have, and then thinking in practical terms how we can develop those in schools.

Another speaker stated firmly that children are already global citizens and we shouldn’t imagine that even very young children can’t develop in these areas. We saw wonderful video evidence of global citizenship projects that three year olds are working on in a school in America. Jim Reese, from Washington International School and Project Zero emphasised the importance of developing critical thinking skills in young people as essential to global citizenship.

There are many exciting developments in the field of global citizenship and education. Understanding is growing. All parents, when searching for a school for their child, should look carefully at what the institution says it does, as indicated by its mission statement, and at its stated values. Schools that are developing global citizens will emphasize caring, empathy and respect for and understanding of other cultures. In these schools students will be actively encouraged to learn about the way the world works and to participate actively within it, to make things better for humanity and for the global environment.

Find out more about KIS, kindly visit www.kis.edu.my or call 088 - 224526 to make an appointment with Ms Tina Koroh, Admissions Officer.

As featured in Parents Avenue Magazine Issue No.12 July to September 2018

Sabah's First All Women Kids-Friendly Gym

COMFORT ZONE MAKING FITNESS EASY FOR MOTHERS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Comfort Zone is an all Women and Kids-Friendly Gym located in Kota Kinabalu. Their passion for empowering mothers and children to live fit and healthy lives are reflected in everything that they do.

The creators of Comfort Zone are mothers and they quickly realize the need of such facilities to cater to mothers with young children. Here, mothers can bring their baby and children to the gym and workout at your own pace, get the inspiration and support you need to achieve your best every day.

Their goal is to provide a child-friendly gym to mothers that allow you to thrive. So whether you’re looking to get your fitness and health back on track, start fresh or simply not sure where to start, you are always welcomed. At Comfort Zone, they are a community of mothers with the same mission. To lead a healthy life with our children and be a role model.

1. THE LIGHT GYM

Consist of 12 equipment to choose from cardio exercises to strength training is available.

2. THE STUDIO CLASSES

A wide range of fitness classes ranging from Yoga, Zumba and Mix Martial Arts conducted by experienced and qualified instructors.

(Kindly follow their Facebook for latest schedule)

3. THE SHOWER ROOM

Comes with a Safety Baby Seat at the shower so both mother and baby can have a little fun splash together.

4. THE SAUNA

An Infrared Sauna is available at the Shower Room and fits up to 5 people at a time.

5. THE SAFETY & COMFORT

With CCTV monitoring every corner of the ACTIVE PLAYROOM and the BABY ROOM, you can exercise at peace. Additional Baby Monitoring System is also available for rent. Friendly and helpful staffs to ensure you have a safe and comfortable exercise with your child.

6. THE ACTIVE PLAYROOM

Dedicated baby and children play room consist of Baby Crawler Corner, Sandpit Corner and the Soft Playground. Recommended age up to 12 years old only.

7. THE BABY ROOM

This cozy room is specially made for your sleepy baby to rest. You are also welcome to use this room for breastfeeding and nappy changing.

8. THE VENUE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

As an all Women and Kids Gym, Comfort Zone is also available for Private Functions. Be it your children’s birthday or a get-together with your girly friends.

At Comfort Zone, you can ensure getting your exercise done and 

your child gets theirs too in a safe and comfortable environment. 

How to get started? You can contact 012-805 4880 or 

visit their Front Desk located at T1@Bundusan.

Their current promotion >>>

Written by Stella Matilda, Editor of Parents Avenue Magazine

As featured in Parents Avenue Magazine Issue No.12 July to September 2018

What Are You Grateful For Today?

GRATITUDE MATTERS

Written by Davelynn Benggon-Rampas

There is always a pang of jealousy after seeing photos of our friends enjoying their vacations posted on Facebook or Instagram. It is actually a normal 'negative' reaction of what we referred to as cycle of wishing for what we do not have. Before we even realized it, we would ask our spouse to bring us for a vacation or we started to talk negatively about what we saw just because we do not have it right now. Whether we like it or not, we are living in the world of comparison – We forget to be grateful.

Oprah Winfrey gives this advice: “Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” In fact, gratefulness is a unique way of celebrating the blessings that we have as well as those delightful things we experience each day. Gratitude is regarded as the ability to notice positive occurrences in our life and to enjoy them.

What would happen when we do not practice gratitude? A heart that is not thankful is an isolated heart – a lonely heart that thinks it can live and do things by itself, and it has no other way but to be unhappy. A day without saying 'Thank You' always lead to a bad day because it can be a sign that we are quite self-immersed. Most studies have shown that the critical reason for living life gratefully is to counter and halt the all-too-human tendency to slide into negativity because humans often over-emphasize negative and downplay the positive events.

There are always good reasons to be grateful even when saddled with an imperfect self, a difficult life, and a complicated world. Being grateful does not only decreases negative effects in life but also increase the frequency of positive ones. However, gratitude should never be forced because it would lose its authenticity.

Can you find gratitude in your heart when you don't get what you want? Do you feel grateful when your spouse cannot bring you to a candle-light dinner on Valentine's Day? Truth is we have to be thankful always regardless of the circumstances we may be in right now. Someone wise once said, “Circumstances do not determine character – they reveal it.” How we deal with our life is revealed most clearly during times of struggle, hardship, pain, and suffering. Gratitude is not a fair weather virtue because pure gratitude means to stay thankful even when the times get tough.

It feels good to be grateful and even better to sow this attitude among others without expecting something in return. Being such kind of person, we become a medium to spread blessing to other people around us. There are lots of reasons for being grateful. We can always change our life because we have the power to think and talk about gratefulness that bring everything good in life to everyone. Never set the mind that life is unfair because if life were perfectly fair then we would be less ambitious, live with fewer goals, and get fewer opportunities in life. Although life is supposed to end, we should be grateful because we have the freedom to choose the choices in life.

Charles Dickens wrote, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” A grateful attitude restrains us from being envious of other people. We learn to be content with what we have and not obsessed with what we lack. We all face adversity in our life but what is more important is how we react to it. It almost sounds too simple to say it but when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance blessing that is presence, we have everything and because we are meant to have an amazing life!

How Can We Be More Grateful

1.     Always start your morning by reading thanksgiving message.

2.     Recall the gifts you have at the start of the new day, such as the life you behold and the family you have.

3.     Always be thankful in advance for the blessings that will come your way.

4.     Think of one or two concrete deeds of kindness you can do for others.

5.     Put reminders for counting your blessings.

6.     Recall something that you are grateful for.

7.     Write gratitude notes or letter, or send messages to people you owe a great deal, especially to your spouse, parents, siblings, relatives, and dear friends.

8.     Start with a gratitude blog or journal.

9.     Read this book - Rhonda Byrne's The Magic, if you haven't read it yet.

10.  Pray for blessings for your benefactors and those who need blessings the most.

11.  Give back to the community through a volunteer work of your choice.

12.  Share gratitude messages via social media.

13.  Always end your day giving thanks to God.

As featured in Parents Avenue Magazine | Issue No. 12 July to September 2018

BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF ASH B BEAUTY ROOM

EXCLUSIVE Story: 

ASHLEY WONG Founder of Ash B Beauty Room. 

Image by Lester Tsen | Written by Eve Bandusena



THE BEGINNING

Ashley Wong began her career in the beauty industry by studying in Taiwan and worked as a make-up artist there before returning to Kota Kinabalu to pursue her career in the same line of work. After her arrival back home, she quickly realised that Kota Kinabalu was limiting in terms of options and services in the beauty sector and saw that her low income as a make-up artist reflected the lack of choices available in Kota Kinabalu. Not long after, she returned to Taiwan yet again to pursue her studies in semi-permanent and operated her business out of her home briefly before settling in a studio at Hilltop. During this period, she continually pushed herself to search for business opportunities, generate income and often traveled for local bookings.


HER FIRST EVER SHOP

After a year, she successfully opened her first branch at Lintas and of course, every new business venture isn’t exempt from its own unique set of challenges. Ashley recounts that she faced difficulties guiding her team and experienced apprehension yet despite this, she pushed pass her limitations and thrived. Next year, she expanded her business by opening a second branch at Plaza 333 and then a third in Sandakan.


THE CHALLENGES

How does one keep their business afloat and ensure that there are enough walk-ins to support their overhead cost? Ashley shares that you need to sponsor, perform buy ins, in stocks and standby. Sales is a very hands on service. A break for a week will result in sales drop. This is why having balance is crucial. Sales will reduce during school holiday, government elections, and with issues concerning GST.

As a business owner, everyday involves maintaining a degree of hard work. Laziness is contagious. If you’re lazy, she says, your staff will follow suit and your business will be affected. With every strength, there’s a weakness to counter it. Ashley cites that the English language and Accounting aren’t her stronger points. That’s why management is important, thanking her assistant Cassandra, who is in charge of managerial duties.

HOW SHE STANDS OUT

With so much competition, what makes her business stand out in the beauty sector in KK? By being confident in your own work, Ashley says. When you’re confident in the work you do, you’ll feel no need to compare yourself to other people’s work. Everyone has their own style and brand, everyone has a different taste. Some people like Louis Vuitton and some like Chanel, she says. If people like a brand’s work, that’s what they’ll gravitate to. She’s confident with her work and products. The products are satisfying and are safe to use and that’s why they her customers continually choose her brand.


HER BEST-SELLERS

And what is the best-selling service at Ash B Beauty Room? Eyebrows. Ashley points out that Asians have significantly less hair and that the weather and our diets are to blame. Most Asian meals are too heavy, the spicy, salty and sour elements are what causes our hair to drop. Koreans, for example, she says like eating Maggi and that what makes their hair decrease. She throws out observational notes that Kadazan’s have thick hair and lashes, more than Chinese and Malays.


FUTURE PLANS

As for the future, are there any plans for business expansion? No. Ashley replies. There have been offers to purchase her franchise and suggestions to open one within the KK area but she’s too busy focusing on all branches and currently trains her staff to do semi-permanent to ensure they’re able to attract more customers so she can focus on management and teach. Not a lot of people are on the same wavelength as you, she says. If they’re slow, it affects my work pace too. They’re individuals, and you can’t enforce your control over them, you need to find people who are interested in what you’re focusing on.

GROWING IN TOURISM SECTOR

As for the future, Ashley shared that her company has been selected and sponsored by the Malaysian Tourism to participate in an event in which a steady flow of tourists will be brought in by the government to boost local beauty businesses. She states that opening her business area within the KK area would be difficult as the clientele would only be one time customers and the focus would shift towards tourists and not regulars.


HER MESSAGE TO YOU

And lastly, advice for anyone who wants to try her service? Ashley shares that everyone wants to look pretty and well presented. As a rule of thumb, we need to wax our underarms and private parts. Even after giving birth, mothers are encouraged to wax for clean-up purposes and these apply for women with periods too. For facials, skincare is best if done everyday or, at least every two months. Injections like fillers, collagen and filler are very famous now, Ashley adds. Working together with Aesthetic KL, which is a company similar to that of Dr. Koh, a doctor, consultant and assistant will be appointed to help with various procedures at Ash B Beauty Room.

*******

Current promotion inside 

Parents Avenue Magazine by ASH B Beauty Room. 

Find it in this latest issue!

Issue No.12 July to September 2018

Find them on Facebook for latest updates and promotions!

https://www.facebook.com/AshB-Beauty-Room-Plaza-333-1339929022689368/

WIN! A FREE 3D EYEBROW EMBROIDERY BY ASH B BEAUTY ROOM

DETAILS IN THIS ISSUE OF PARENTS AVENUE MAGAZINE 

Pain Relief or Weight Loss. Maybe All You Need Is A Good Sauna.

Faith Wellness Centre Customer Shares Their Experience. 

Written by Stella Matilda 

Faith Wellness Centre (FWC) is a health and wellness centre located at 88 Marketplace. Established in 2015, FWC has grown to be Sabah's favourite health centre for children, adults and even the elderly as they provide the No.1 Smartest Infrared Sauna, the Sunlighten from USA. As the sole distributor for Sunlighten in Sabah, FWC provide sales and services for those who wish to own a Sunlighten Sauna at their home or business premises too. 

For those who have experience the Sunlighten at FWC would tell you that this is the most relaxing and the best way to sweat and detox of the body if you have a hectic schedule or those who is not a fan of exercise. FWC is equipped with a comfortable Balinese zen atmosphere for your treatment with excellent customer service. If losing weight is your goal, you can count on FWC to help you keep track of your weight and goals for each visit of your treatment. 

On an important note for pain relief, the Sunlighten Infrared Sauna works as a gentle but effective treatment for patients with fibromyalgia or other types of chronic pain and it help to reduce discomfort. The heat and light therapy can help diminish pain and reduce your stress level to promote a healthier you. 

Many chronic pain sufferers often look for a non-pharmaceutical ways to achieve pain relief and Sunlighten Infrared Sauna has become one of the most popular alternatives as it works by penetrating joints, muscles, and tissues, increasing circulation and speeding oxygen flow. 

Doctors have recommended Sunlighten Infrared Sauna Therapy to relieve pain such as:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Migraine headaches
• Musculoskeletal and joint pain
• other chronic pain conditions

Here are some feedback from Faith Wellness Centre's customer: 

“The year 2015 left a black dot in my life and I will never forget about it forever. I was hospitalised for more than 2 months and that experience is still fresh in my mind even up till today. As a singer and an entertainer, to maintain health is not easy. Heavy schedules, appointments and my own health factors deter me from doing any heavy physical exercise. After trying various ways and looking for solutions, I finally met Faith Wellness Center that provides the 3-in-1 Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna service from Sunlighten, USA. With their smart sauna I found the solution for me to stay healthy and maintain my general health well being as a singer and entertainer.”

- ESTHER APPLUNIUS, SINGER & BUSINESS WOMEN

“I have AUTISM but I’m OK and I’m good in my studies. I scored 9A 1B in my exam recently. I like to come to Faith Wellness Center because they have a sophisticated sauna, there is an android system and I can watch my favourite Netflix movie inside the sauna. The sauna temperature here is not hot. So parents out there do not be afraid to bring your kids to the Faith Wellness Center. The Sauna here is SAFE & BEST can sweat just like exercising out there."

- EDEN JOSHUA, AUTISM (SCHOOL RESULT 9A 1B)

“I have been working in a government hospital for almost 7 years now. My shift normally start at 7am, therefore I wake up and get ready by 5am to avoid rush hour. Waking up in the morning is not a problem to me. But I have trouble sleeping as my body is overwhelmed and exhausted from work and sometimes I caught myself almost falling asleep in the car instead. Until oneday, Madam Lissah introduced to me the Sunlighten Infrared Sauna that was available at Faith Wellness Centre. After my first visit for my sauna treatment, my body feel more energetic and and I could focus better especially for work."

- PAMELA DAINE P.J, MEDICAL

“When we learn to balance between success and happiness, that is where you can be called a successful entrepreneur. As for myself, I take care of my health by choosing Faith Wellness Centre as they provide the 3 in 1 infrared sauna. During my sauna treatment, I sweat 7 times more toxins than using the traditional sauna. With the Ultra Low EMF Technology my body muscles tend to relaxed more after a long day at work. Most importantly, in just 30-45 minutes of my infrared sauna treatment, I am able to burn 600-900 calories. Faith Wellness Centre has indeed improved my health and save my time as the CEO of Arnab Village Ranau.” - JUBAIR JUHININ, CEO

“My health has always been my priority and I often asked myself, what are the fastest way I can sweat and get rid of toxins as I do not have time to go to the gym. Getting to know Faith Wellness Centre have saved my life! As I really enjoy being able to just sit down, relax my body and finding peace of mind while the infrared sauna does all the job to help my body sweat and remove toxins naturally.” - NURUL FARIHAH, WIFE AND PA

- JUBAIR JUHININ AND WIFE, CEO OF ARNAB VILLAGE SDN BHD

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

“As everyone know Sunlighten USA has been established for 19 years and proven leader as the World No.1 Smart Sauna in the industry and growing a global family in more than 20 countries. Faith Wellness Centre established 3 yearsin Malaysia with more than 3000 testimonials with the unique differences of our many cultures but we share a single vision “TO HELP OUR CUSTOMERS LIVE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER LIVES” Praise the Lord may Faith Wellness Centre can help more people out there.” 

- Lissah Nicolle Jack , Founder

Current Promotion at Faith Wellness Centre

Do you want to experience the benefits of Sunlighten? 

Contact Faith Wellness Centre today at 016-4153881, 016-5129462 or 088-204850. 

You can visit their centre located at Block E, Lot EA, First Floor, Lorong Komersil 88/2, 88 Marketplace, Jalan Pintas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

A LITTLE BOY'S BATTLE LIVING WITH HIRSCHSPRUNG’S DISEASE

Image taken on 12 October 2017 after his surgery. Dr. Rajah (left), Noel, Noah (center) sitting next to his mother Rozana and father (behind).

Rozana Tiwing, mother to little Noah who is born with Hirschsprung’s Disease shares the positive recovery after the operation.

Written by Lisa Sabrina.

Noah Lester, a 3-year old boy from Kampung Baru Bingkor, Keningau was born with a rare genetic disease called Hirschsprung’s (HIRSH-sproongz) disease. It’s a condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes problems with passing stool. It’s caused when nerve cells in the colon don’t form completely hence unable to control the muscle contractions that move food through the bowels. Without the contractions, stool stays in the large intestine.

Noah’s parents were hoping for a miracle after they were informed that Noah’s condition was getting worse yet the public hospital would need to queue Noah before being able to get him a specialist appointment at the government hospital. “There were many times I cried and even screamed out of desperation.”

As a baby, Noah was treated by Dr. S. Rajah and follow up at Likas Hospital regularly. Rozana recalls Noah often fall sick and ended up at the Emergency in Keningau Hospital. During one of Noah’s follow up at Likas Hospital, they found out Dr. S. Rajah have moved to Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital. It was out of desperation that Rozana decided to find him at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital as he treated Noah since he was a baby.

In mid 2017, during their consultation with Dr. S. Rajah , Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital, they were informed that there will be two surgeries involving as the treatment of his condition and the cost for Noah’s operation would cost over RM30,000 each. “There was absolutely no way we could afford that,” says Lester John, Noah’s father 34 years old who is a supervisor. They tried raising some funds through their friends and family but they were way short.

“One day, I received a phone call from Gleneagles’ staff who told us about Khazanah Integrated Healthcare Holdings (IHH) Healthcare funds who provides partial or fully sponsored medical treatment. She suggested for us to apply for it. We are forever grateful to Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital for matching this aid to us.” 

Noah had his first surgery done in October 2017 at Gleneagles where he was warded for 8 days. After a month, Noah fell sick and started vomiting faeces. This was due to infection in the intestine which was not related to the surgery.

“He was vomiting his faeces. We knew we had to act fast so we went back to Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital.” Noah was brought to Emergency and Dr. Rajah thought the time was also right to perform the second planned surgery during the same hospitalization.

Writer Lisa visits Noah’s family in Keningau 8 months after the operation.

Sitting with the family in a café in Keningau 8 months after the surgery, Noah seems cheerful and the parents remarked how well he is progressing. He has never been sick ever since his last operation. Asked on his progress, the mum cheerfully answered that Noah now knows his ABC and can count to ten. “He is playful and even bullies his big brother,” she added. Noah has an older brother named

Noel, aged 8.

Noah can now pass motion normally although he still needs to be prompted and assisted. It will usually take him 30 minutes at the toilet before he can 'go' . At times he will still hold it because his brain has been ‘trained’ to pass it through his abdomen – referring to the hole on the right side of his abdomen that was pierced to allow him to pass motion from his small intestine when he was about 1 year old. “This (first) operation wasn’t ideal for him as it prevented the full absorption of nutrient for his body. His growth was somewhat stunted back then.”

Very pleased and thankful with Noah’s current progress, they repeatedly recorded their appreciation and gratitude to Khazanah Integrated Healthcare Holdings (IHH) Healthcare funds and Gleneagles. They remarked how professional, caring and kind the medical team were throughout Noah’s treatment.

“We still can’t believe we have managed to overcome this ordeal. It’s surreal. Thank you again Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital, Dr. S. Rajah and Khazanah Integrated Healthcare Holdings (IHH) Healthcare funds for changing our lives.” - Rozana Tiwing

What are the signs and symptoms of Hirschsprung disease? 

An early symptom in some newborns is failure to have a first bowel movement within 48 hours after birth. Other symptoms may include:

• green or brown vomit

• explosive stools after a doctor inserts a finger into the newborn’s rectum

• swelling of the abdomen

• diarrhea, often with blood

Symptoms in Toddlers and Older Children Symptoms of Hirschsprung disease in toddlers and older children may include:

• not being able to pass stools without enemas or suppositories. An enema involves flushing liquid into the child’s anus using a special wash bottle. A suppository is a pill placed into the child’s rectum.

• swelling of the abdomen.

• diarrhea, often with blood.

• slow growth

Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital | On Your Side | Real Life Story

For more information about children’s common surgical conditions, kindly contact Dr. Rajah at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital at 017-979 8888 or visit www.gleneagleskk.com.my

FAMILY FINANCIAL PLANNING MADE EASY

Managing your family’s finances is not easy. In addition to the cost of raising your kids, saving for retirement, college tuition, home loans and much more. Nevertheless, finding balance for your family’s short and long term financial goals is possible. CMA Consultancy is a one-stop financial consultation firm consist of professional Financial Planning Experts in helping families like yourself. By creating a comprehensive, personalized financial plan, they are able to help you to prioritize your family financial goals, and on the same time help to protect your family income.

YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS!

You deserve the support of a strong financial planner and CMA Consultancy is able to help you with the services below:

• Family Financial Planning
• Retirement Planning
• Gift of Love (Children Education Planning)
• Estate Planning (Will & Trust)
• Risk Management Planning
• Saving and Investment Planning
• Private Retirement Scheme

ABOUT CMA CONSULTANCY

CMA Consultancy is founded by Cathy Molly Albert who has 10 years experience in accounting and financial planning industry. Graduate with a Bachelor Accounting Degree and also attached as a Chartered Accountant with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA).

Her passion towards financial planning and financial education helped the lives of many families until this very day. Her goal for CMA Consultancy is to save 200 more lives this year.

Currently, CMA Consultancy have advocate more than 300 families and taking care of hundreds of family’s financial portfolio in Sabah. Cathy Molly stresses that many people are still lack of awareness about financial planning in Sabah. She highlight that “Income Protection should come first and Gift of Love for the children is not an option but CRUCIAL.”

YOUR FAMILY & CMA

CMA Consultancy’s main goal is to make the financial process simple, even if your life isn’t. So firstly, they will learn everything they can about you, your family and your collective plans for the future. Then, they will minimize the risk by identifying areas in which you are financially vulnerable so that they can take action to protect your family and its assets. After that, they will help you decide which savings, investment and financial tools that are right for you and your family.

They understand that all of this might change, so they created a flexible financial plan so that they are prepare to respond to your needs and market fluctuations.

GETTING IN TOUCH

Need help in securing your family’s financial future? Request for a consultation. Call 088-307869 or 016-878 9219.

Written by Stella Matilda
As featured in Parents Avenue Magazine Issue No.12 (July to September 2018)