GRANDFATHER'S HEARTFELT PLEA TO SAVE GRANDSON BATTLING STAGE FOUR CANCER

KOTA BHARU, March 22  (Bernama) -- As a grandfather, Mohd Nor Husain never imagined he would have to fight so hard to save his beloved grandson’s life.

Yet today, he finds himself appealing to the kindness of strangers, hoping to raise between RM230,000 and RM250,000 to fund critical treatment for Muhammad Shakil Mohd Shahrizal, a two-year-old boy bravely battling stage four neuroblastoma cancer.

Mohd Nor, 65, shared that Muhammad Shakil was diagnosed earlier this year after painful lumps began appearing across his small body.

"Two months ago, we noticed lumps forming on his body. We took him to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM UKM), where doctors initially feared it was leukaemia.

"After a week there, we spent RM8,000 on treatment. We thought he would be alright, but after coming home, he cried in pain. His legs swelled, and new lumps appeared on his thigh and neck. Desperate, we brought him to a private hospital in Negeri Sembilan, where cancer was suspected again," he told Bernama recently.

Eventually, they sought answers at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, where their worst fears were confirmed -Muhammad Shakil was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that has now threatened his precious life.

The treatment needed is extensive and costly, involving chemotherapy, major surgery to remove the tumour in his abdomen, a bone marrow transplant, radiotherapy, isotopic therapy, and specialised imported medication (Qaziba).

Mohd Nor, a retired private sector worker, and his wife, Fuziah Salleh, 58, have lovingly cared for their eldest grandchild since birth.

The family’s struggles are compounded by the sacrifice of Muhammad Shakil's mother, Amira Ilyana, 29, who had to leave her job as an accountant to care for him full-time. Her husband, Mohd Shahrizal Jamaluddin, 27, works at a factory in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, trying to support the family.

"For 10 years, we prayed for his birth. This rare cancer has shaken us, but I have read everything I could and prayed for a miracle to save him.

"Every night, I perform Salatul Hajat and Tahajjud, pleading for my grandson’s health and hoping that the community can help us, especially during this sacred month of Ramadan," Mohd Nor said.

For those moved to help Muhammad Shakil's fight for life, contributions can be made to the CIMB account 7633182746 under the name Amira Ilyana Binti Mohd Nor.

-- BERNAMA