My youngest son, Lawrence, was 5 when he experienced a painful swelling on his leg, along with a fever. We thought it was a normal illness and had him treated at a local clinic. After that he seemed to be getting better but his face started swelling soon after. At the hospital, the doctors confirmed it was a tumor, and Lawrence had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or Burkitt’s lymphoma. My emotions were in turmoil but I couldn’t do anything, being in Sabah at the time for work, while my parents helped take care of my three children. My heart dropped when the doctor told us he needed to go for bone marrow surgery.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, it took 3 long months (going through swab tests, permission to travel, quarantine, you name it) before I could be with Lawrence who was under the care of his grandmother at that time and I couldn’t imagine not being with him during his intense treatment (chemotherapy & radiography). I admire Lawrence’s bravery going through all this at such a young age. Watching him from the sidelines was never an easy feat. Those downtime were the toughest but seeing other parents with their little fighters at the ward gave me hope & strength to pull through.
I am grateful for the support provided by SCCS and the medical team during this challenging time. He shares with me that one of his favorite memories is celebrating his 6th birthday at SCCS Halfway Home with his extended SCCS Family; getting presents & cherishing happy moments despite the circumstances. Now, Lawrence is currently still on treatment and I am sharing this story as inspiration to give motivation and strength to other parents going through similar fate as us. Pray for our recovery & well-being.
– Lawrence’s mother
