The chair a father built to protect his son

Kong Wei Yang's father Kong Hean Fui built an IKEA chair with makeshift straps to restrain his 15-year-old son and prevent self-injury caused by involuntary movements. The force of Wei Yang's spasms can be intense enough to require frequent repairs to the chair's restraints. Even when the chair provides some protection, Wei Yang may still injure himself by slamming his feet or biting his fingers hard enough to cause his parents difficulty freeing them without causing further injury.

The parents must remain vigilant throughout the day and night, as their son has a rare genetic disorder called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, which causes neurological impairment, involuntary muscle movements, and compulsive self-injury. Despite medication, Wei Yang's biting problem has worsened and becomes harder to control. His parents hope to fund a deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure, which doctors have recommended for years, but the cost of RM280,000 to RM300,000 is beyond their means.

An appeal raised RM40,000, leaving the family with a shortfall of RM240,000 to RM260,000. The family seeks assistance from Malaysians to help raise the remaining funds, which can be made to Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia, RHB account 262 689 0000 2614, using the reference KWY26.