Kota Kinabalu: Three-year-old Biviana Christella Rosli, the youngest of four siblings from Kampung Botung, Pitas, has been given a second chance at life thanks to the Society for the Sabah Heart Fund (SOSHF).
Born into a B40-B1 household, her rubber tapper father is the sole breadwinner, supporting not only his wife and children but also his elderly father. Despite their financial struggles, their home is filled with love and resilience.
AdvertisementTheir world turned upside down when, at just two years, Biviana developed a persistent fever. What initially seemed like a common childhood illness led to a devastating discovery at Hospital Pitas—an abnormality in her heart.
Further evaluations at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II (QEHII) in Kota Kinabalu confirmed the worst: Moderate DCSA VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) and Mild AR (Aortic Regurgitation).
Without corrective surgery, Biviana’s little heart would struggle to sustain her as she grew. For a family with limited means, seeking specialised treatment in Kuala Lumpur seemed like an impossible dream.
Just when all hope seemed lost, SOSHF stepped in. After assessing their circumstances, the foundation agreed to sponsor Biviana’s surgery at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur. The surgery was scheduled for February 10, 2025—a date that would change her life forever.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});On February 9, Biviana and her mother, Enny, embarked on their life-changing journey. Her father accompanied them on the long road trip from Pitas to Kota Kinabalu, where they stayed overnight with a relative before taking their first-ever flight the next morning.
At Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), they were met by SOSHF President Datuk Eva Susau and the foundation’s admin team. The team guided them through the check-in process and provided a small travel allowance for meals and essentials.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});For a mother and child, who had never left Sabah, every moment felt surreal.
Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), an IJN staff member welcomed them and escorted them directly to the hospital. With a heavy heart yet unwavering faith, Enny completed the admission process, bracing herself for what lay ahead.
On February 11, Biviana was wheeled into the operating room. As the doors closed, Enny clasped her hands in silent prayer, torn between fear and hope.
Hours passed like an eternity. Then, at last, the doctors emerged with good news—the surgery was a success!
When Biviana was brought into recovery, her tiny chest rising and falling steadily, relief washed over her mother. For the first time in months, she dared to hope for a future where her little girl could run and play without struggling to breathe.
After days of careful monitoring and recovery, Biviana was discharged from IJN. On February 18, she and her mother boarded their return flight to Sabah, their hearts filled with gratitude and renewed hope.
At KKIA, Eva and the SOSHF team were there to welcome them home. Tears of joy filled Enny’s eyes as she expressed her thanks—not just for the financial support but for the kindness and guidance that made their journey possible.
Back in Pitas, their humble wooden home now held something new—hope.
She became the first patient to undergo surgery in 2025 and the 730th child to receive life-saving treatment through SOSHF since its founding in 1981.
“The SOSHF relies on public donations to continue its mission of giving children like Biviana a second chance at life. Your contribution, no matter how small, can help save a child’s heart. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind due to financial constraints,” said Eva.
Donations can be made to: SOSHF – Hong Leong BankAccount No: 111 00 058762 (All donations are tax-exempt upon issuance of SOSHF receipt).