SUARA MERDEKA BANYUMAS
Selasa 19 Desember 2006

Eleven year-old Damianus is the son of Kusyati, who grew up with limitations. His defected heart made him unable to live as other healthy children do. He has been suffering from heart disease since birth, due to a leakage between the heart's right and left atrium. The condition made caused abnormalities in the heart's function.

An artificial valve is his only option to survive. The poor child lives in Jl. Pahlawan II, Pasir district, Muncang regency, West Purwokerto. To add the misery, he was also blind and deaf-mute.

In his humble home, Damianus, also known as Dami, lives with his parents. "I tried to take Dami to the Banyumas hospital, but the hospital said they could not operate the heart before operating his eyes," said his father, Nursaid, a freelance construction worker. The family's financial deficiency forced Dami to halt his medication.

Fortunately, a blessing came for Dami and his family. A Jakarta-based foundation, Maria Monique Last Wish, is willing to help his treatment, and even gave him a scholarship until he finishes school. Dami now goes to the Karya Bhakti SLB-C special needs school in Jl. Jogja Km 4, Barowetan, Purworejo.

Foundation head, Natalia Sutrisna Tjahja says she will give Damianus his last wish. Natalia was touched by Dami's condition, and his family's financials. Hence on Wednesday December 12th, Natalia and her staff from the foundation, along with Dami's friends in the special needs school and principal, Ellyas, visited his house.

"I'm so sorry to see Dami. He moved me to do something to help him heal," said Natalia. "I also hoped there are other people out there who are also willing to help alleviate the burdens of Dami's family. At least we help them, together," she added.