BABY Ayden’s story has moved readers.

Already, more than 15 readers have called or e-mailed to offer direct donations, medical advice and special milk powder.

There was even an offer to help raise funds for the little boy through the Internet.

The New Paper reported yesterday on our front page the plight of Ayden Soong’s parents.

Their child, who is 20 months old, suffers from a congenital heart defect.

His liver is failing and he has defects in his eyes, face and bones.

But doctors have told Ayden’s parents that he needs surgery to correct his heart abnormalities before he can be considered for a liver transplant.

Ayden’s mother, Ms Tee Bee Ling, 35, is ready to donate part of her liver to her baby boy.

But doctors from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital believe he is too high a risk for surgery.

Desperate to save their boy, Ayden’s parents are now looking for help in other hospitals in Singapore and overseas.

One reader, a 42-year-old IT consultant who declined to be named, said that he can relate to the Soongs because he, too, is a parent with a young daughter.

His four-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with autism.

Donations
“So I know how Ayden’s parents feel. But Ayden’s parents are facing a much more challenging issue than I am,” he said.

He wants to donate $500.

Another reader, Mrs Ivy Goh, said her baby is on a special formulated milk called Noecate LCP Hypoallergenic.

She wants to donate five 400g cans of the formulated milk to Ayden if it is suitable for him.

One reader, who works for a local women’s magazine, wanted to help the family raise funds through her magazine’s Facebook page.

Said Ms Karishma Tulsidas, 23, an editorial assistant: “We are very touched by the story and we think that we can help the family raise funds for Ayden’s medical treatment.

“We have thousands of fans on the Facebook group and many of them are parents... I’m sure this story will touch them enough to want to help Ayden.”

Another parent wanted to help in whatever way she could, including providing transport.

Said Madam Allyson Shee, 37, a logistics coordinator: “I love children. I have two children of my own... I hope Ayden’s parents do not give up.”

Ms Tee had insisted on giving birth to Ayden because she didn’t want to give up on him, despite doctors telling her and her husband that he would not live long after being born.

Ayden’s parents are grateful for the offers of help and good wishes.

Said Ms Tee: “I’m glad that people want to help my son. I’m sure we will need all the support and help we can get in our journey to help Ayden lead a normal life.”

Ayden is scheduled to see doctors at the National University Hospital later this month.

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This article was first published in The New Paper.