A nine-year-old boy in Singapore spent nine days in the intensive care unit (ICU), after the onset of a frightening health condition.

Matt Aeron Semodio, described as a "beacon of joy" to all who know him, is now on the road to recovery.

While relieved, his family now has to foot a hefty bill of S$190,000 for his medical treatment.

Hospitalised after feeling fatigued

The family's ordeal began on Jan. 4, 2024, related the boy's godmother on Give.Asia.

Semodio became troubled by unusual fatigue and drowsiness, having to sleep multiple times in the day.

His condition worsened even after a visit to a general practitioner that evening.

He was rushed to the Children's Emergency at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) after the onset of severe chest pains.

Diagnosed with Covid-19

Semodio was admitted into the ICU in the early hours of Jan. 5.

He was diagnosed with myocarditis, which refers to the inflammation of the heart muscle.

His heart function plummeted, leading to a cardiopulmonary collapse, otherwise known as heart failure.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the boy suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing intubation, a process whereby a tube is inserted through the mouth or nose, and down the airway.

He needed to be put on life support.

The kid fought for his life as he underwent several procedures and interventions.

The diagnosis of his Covid-19-positive status further complicated his critical condition.

Witnessing the child who was usually "so full of vitality" in this state was "an image of despair for his parents, family, and friends", said his godmother.

"It was a period marked by an agonising wait, hoping against hope for a miracle," she added.

Signs of recovery

Semodio's strength and spirit pulled him out of the woods.

After nine days in ICU, his heart showed signs of recovery, so much so that he could do away with life support on Jan. 16.

He was later extubated and taken off dialysis.

Even though he suffered a mild stroke which affected movement in his left side, the day was still a triumphant one for him.

His godmother wrote:

"Matt's essence—his gentle spirit, his capacity for deep thoughtfulness, and his boundless love—shine brightly even in these dark times."

Things got better when he was moved out of the ICU on Jan. 24.

Despite challenges, such as delirium and water retention, "his family is more optimistic than ever about his eventual return home", said his godmother.

When The Straits Times went to see the recovering boy on Feb. 22, he was said to be in "good spirits", and looking forward to catching the upcoming movie, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire".

Family seeking funding

Semodio's family now struggles to cover the medical expenses racked up by the ordeal.

"Despite utilising every available resource, including insurance, Medisave, and personal savings, the costs have far exceeded what Matt's family can afford," his godmother stated.

The family is now looking to raise money for his medical bill via Give.Asia.

So far, they've raised S$59,404 out of their S$190,000 goal.

Top images via Give.Asia