4 days ago
‘I am brave': 5-year-old leukemia patient receives aid from Hope Place Kuching
Hope Place representative Mary Vun (right) delivers the aid to Lijawati and her children during the visit.
KUCHING (June 6): Hope Place Kuching has extended aid to a five-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia, providing essential items such as diapers, children's milk powder, school supplies, and toys.
Muhammad Aqil Hazwan Khalid was diagnosed with Precursor B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last September and was immediately hospitalised for a month.
His plight came to the attention of Hope Place through his mother, Lijawati, 37, who shared that the family has been struggling financially, as her husband is the sole breadwinner.
'Muhammad Aqil lives in Kampung Semera, Asajaya with his parents and nine-year-old sister. Although he is now back home, he still looks like any active five-year-old boy,' said the non-governmental organisation (NGO) in a statement.
However, Lijawati revealed that her son has a low immune system, falls sick easily, and bruises often. He began chemotherapy last year and was initially fed through a tube, but due to frequent discomfort and tugging, doctors have since switched to oral medication
During a recent visit, Lijawati shared what Muhammad Aqil said to his doctors at the hospital: 'I am brave. I am not afraid of eating medicine or needles.'
She added that her son always says he wants to be well and healthy again – words that brought tears to her eyes.
'Though he is still so young, he is very determined and full of courage,' said Hope Place.
It is understood that Muhammad Aqil undergoes chemotherapy once every two weeks. During earlier intensive sessions, he had to endure painful procedures involving three needles injected near the lungs and heart area.
'Although this procedure is usually very painful, Lijawati said Muhammad Aqil never once cried or protested. He has bravely completed 13 chemotherapy sessions so far.
'At present, the treatment only requires injections in the arm,' the NGO said.
His father, Khalid, 37, works as a daily-paid construction labourer. Despite having her hands full caring for the children, Lijawati also tries to earn extra income by selling homemade 'kuih', 'kuih sepit', and fried chicken in front of their house.
'My boy's courage inspires me to fight for a better future,' she said.
Muhammad Aqil currently receives monthly financial assistance of RM300 from Sarawak Social Welfare Department, along with transport allowance from the Sarawak Children's Cancer Society for his hospital visits.
Those wishing to donate may do so via Hope Place's Maybank account (511289001160) or visit its Facebook page for the S Pay Global QR code.
For more information, the public can contact Hope Place by calling 082-505987 or 013-5672775. aid boy hope place kuching lead leukemia Muhammad Aqil Hazwan Khalid
