#SHOWBIZ: 8TV's Project Love Fund channels nearly RM200k to 24 underprivileged Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: Chua Xiu Yi, 11, is finally able to jump for joy. Her treatment for the rare genetic disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome, which affects only 1 in 15,000 people globally, is now under control.
Her mother, Phoon Suet Chen, 49, explained that Xiu Yi, the youngest of her three children, was diagnosed with the illness at the age of two and required growth hormone treatment.
"She used to be a very weak baby, and as she grew bigger, she began to feel hungry very often," said Phoon, whose family hails from Klang.
Specialists at the University Malaya Medical Centre treated Xiu Yi two years ago, leading to a "considerable improvement" in her condition.
"Xiu Yi also suffered from heart and lung problems as a result of her disorder," Phoon added.
"The medicine gradually worked for her, and today she keeps herself focused and fit with Zumba lessons, which she absolutely loves."
Meanwhile, Nor Alia Abdullah, 39, who assists her husband in selling cotton candy in the city, has been patiently caring for her four children, all born with heart disease.
Her children — Adam Ali, 12, Salwa Ali, 9, Alia Damia, 6, and Husna, 2 — are now on the mend, having received the best medical care for their conditions.
"Adam even underwent surgery at Gleneagles Hospital last year; he's a lot fitter and more energetic today," said Nor Alia, whose husband also suffers from cataracts.
"Salwa will have surgery next month, and I'm optimistic it will do her good."
Xiu Yi and Nor Alia's children are among 24 families who have benefited from the second season of 8TV Jasmine Project Love Season 2, which recently concluded its heartwarming journey.
This initiative brings together Malaysians in need of medical help with various charitable organisations.
It highlights the plight of the less fortunate, and its weekly human interest stories have moved viewers nationwide since last year.
Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios Chief Executive Officer, Nini Yusof, said that Jasmine Project Love Season 2 had once again highlighted the incredible strength of community support. She noted that the 8TV Project Love Fund, an initiative under the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund, successfully garnered nearly RM200,000 in public donations, which went directly to aid the 24 families in need.
"This provided much-needed relief to many families featured in the programme, with each beneficiary receiving RM8,000 for a total disbursement of RM192,000," Nini announced at a special luncheon held today at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Bangsar By IHG, marking the conclusion of the programme's second season.
Nini further commented, "This popular documentary continues to connect with a broad audience, including younger Malaysians, underscoring the timeless power of storytelling across generations. As in the first season, our action-oriented co-hosts once again journeyed across the country to reveal deeply human stories reflecting the complexities of everyday life."
She mentioned that the co-hosts — Owen Yap, Chan Wei Wei, Desmond Tey, Tan Chia Yong, Ong Ching Yee, Jan Chin, Soh Chin Chuan, and Charlotte Seow — expanded the programme's reach beyond the Klang Valley, visiting communities in Negri Sembilan, Perak, and Melaka.
"From children battling rare diseases to families facing hardships, the programme highlighted real stories, inspiring empathy and support amongst viewers," she said.
The luncheon was also attended by Media Prima Berhad Group Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid; Media Prima Berhad Group Managing Director, Rafiq Razali; Media Prima Berhad Group Chief Financial Officer, Rosli Sabarudin; and Big Tree and Media Prima Omnia Chief Operating Officer, Agency Solutions, Stephanie Wong.
Other distinguished guests included Media Prima Television Networks Director, Sales Partnership, Crystal Lee; 8TV Film and Content Distribution Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Foo; Jasmine Food Chief Financial Officer, Alan Kwong; and Kawan Food Senior Marketing Manager, Aster Tan.
Syed Hussian presented certificates to several charitable organisations that played a vital role in supporting the programme's outreach.
These included the National Kidney Foundation Malaysia, Cleft Lips and Palate Association of Malaysia, Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia, Beacon Life Training Centre, National Stroke Association of Malaysia, Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Malaysia, Kelab Kebun Komuniti Anak Istimewa P3KU, Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia, Persatuan Penyakit Motor Neuron Malaysia, and Persatuan Amal Indah.
"We are truly grateful for the overwhelming response to 8TV Jasmine Project Love," Nini said.
"This programme not only shares heartfelt and inspiring stories but also fosters empathy and awareness amongst viewers about the real challenges faced by families in need.
"Our sincere thanks go to Jasmine Food as the main sponsor and Kawan Food as co-sponsor for believing in our mission.
"We hope this programme will continue to spark greater support and compassion within our community."
Kwong concluded, "We are honoured to continue this meaningful collaboration with 8TV, which witnesses the positive impact on so many families. When businesses, organisations, and communities work together, we can achieve greater impact in the long term."
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