FMT:
The picture of Amanda Malaysia needs to see
2 hours ago
Frankie D'Cruz
Once frail and breathless, Amanda Mei Chu now walks, her recovery a testament to resilience and care
From frailty to resilience, Amanda takes confident steps during her recovery at Sungai Buloh Hospital. (Dominic Damian pic)
PETALING JAYA: This is Amanda Mei Chu, 29, walking where once she was wheeled.
Just 32 days ago, she was taken to Sungai Buloh Hospital frail, breathless and weighing only 22kg.
Today, she carries a small backpack and a quiet determination that speaks louder than words.
Born with HIV and abandoned as a baby, Amanda has lived a life marked by setbacks. Her adoptive father, Dominic Damian, raised her with unwavering love.
But in 2017, Kuala Lumpur Hospital cut off the treatment she had relied on since childhood, labelling her a “foreigner.”
Her health declined dangerously, and without medication Damian often feared each night might be her last.
Just 32 days ago, she was taken to Sungai Buloh Hospital frail, breathless and weighing only 22kg.
Today, she carries a small backpack and a quiet determination that speaks louder than words.
Born with HIV and abandoned as a baby, Amanda has lived a life marked by setbacks. Her adoptive father, Dominic Damian, raised her with unwavering love.
But in 2017, Kuala Lumpur Hospital cut off the treatment she had relied on since childhood, labelling her a “foreigner.”
Her health declined dangerously, and without medication Damian often feared each night might be her last.
Dominic Damian wheels his fragile daughter into hospital for life-saving treatment last month.
Everything changed when her story surfaced last month in FMT. Malaysians responded with compassion. The Malaysian AIDS Council and Malaysian AIDS Foundation stepped forward.
The health ministry opened hospital doors, and Sungai Buloh began immediate treatment.
Her RM17,000 bill was later waived, an act of goodwill Damian said lifted a crushing burden.
The progress has been striking. Amanda now weighs 26kg and needs to hit 40kg. She no longer needs help with feeding or bathing.
Instead, she joins Damian on daily walks, clocking 4,000 to 8,000 steps. Sometimes he straps a backpack on her for added challenge, promising ice cream or chocolate at the finish.
“I hope she gets addicted to exercise,” he said with a laugh, grateful most of all that she has regained her independence.
Amanda’s recovery is more than a personal triumph. It has become a symbol of resilience — proof that hope and care can triumph over neglect.
It is also a national conscience, reminding Malaysians of the injustice she endured and how public compassion turned her story around.
Her progress stands as a collective victory, the result of ordinary citizens, NGOs and doctors who refused to look away.
And it is a future reminder: while doctored documents have allowed some to get Malaysian citizenship with ease, children like Amanda — born here but paperless — still fall through the cracks.
On Monday, Amanda left the hospital. At her Jalan Ipoh home, she continues her recovery, her steps filling the same rooms that once echoed with silence and fear.
Her citizenship remains unresolved, but the Malaysian AIDS Council is working with the home ministry to secure the papers she needs.
Only then can she be guaranteed a lifetime of treatment.
For now, Amanda’s strides tell their own story. From weakness to strength, she is walking into hope — one determined step at a time.
Everything changed when her story surfaced last month in FMT. Malaysians responded with compassion. The Malaysian AIDS Council and Malaysian AIDS Foundation stepped forward.
The health ministry opened hospital doors, and Sungai Buloh began immediate treatment.
Her RM17,000 bill was later waived, an act of goodwill Damian said lifted a crushing burden.
The progress has been striking. Amanda now weighs 26kg and needs to hit 40kg. She no longer needs help with feeding or bathing.
Instead, she joins Damian on daily walks, clocking 4,000 to 8,000 steps. Sometimes he straps a backpack on her for added challenge, promising ice cream or chocolate at the finish.
“I hope she gets addicted to exercise,” he said with a laugh, grateful most of all that she has regained her independence.
Amanda’s recovery is more than a personal triumph. It has become a symbol of resilience — proof that hope and care can triumph over neglect.
It is also a national conscience, reminding Malaysians of the injustice she endured and how public compassion turned her story around.
Her progress stands as a collective victory, the result of ordinary citizens, NGOs and doctors who refused to look away.
And it is a future reminder: while doctored documents have allowed some to get Malaysian citizenship with ease, children like Amanda — born here but paperless — still fall through the cracks.
On Monday, Amanda left the hospital. At her Jalan Ipoh home, she continues her recovery, her steps filling the same rooms that once echoed with silence and fear.
Her citizenship remains unresolved, but the Malaysian AIDS Council is working with the home ministry to secure the papers she needs.
Only then can she be guaranteed a lifetime of treatment.
For now, Amanda’s strides tell their own story. From weakness to strength, she is walking into hope — one determined step at a time.
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