Sharing by Steffie’s mother
Bubbly, outgoing and artistic are the three words to describe Steffie, a 9-year-old girl who enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, be it cycling, swimming, exploring the nature or going to the beach. Her creativity shows when she plays the ukulele or in her drawings. Korean food, sushi and sambal are Steffie’s top three favourite food to eat.
While most girls her age grow into a teenager and develop interest for beauty and grooming, Steffie found out that she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) at the age of nine. ALL is a type of blood and bone marrow cancer that can progress quickly, and if not treated properly, can be fatal within a few months.
“We were very concerned when Steffie was having a recurring fever and her temperature was not going down. So we brought her to the Miri Hospital for a check-up.”
“After several tests and scans, the doctors confirmed that Steffie was diagnosed with cancer. We were recommended to go to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for her treatment.”
In 2022, Steffie turns 10 years old and she is currently continuing her treatment in Kuching’s SGH. Her full treatment process is estimated to take up to two years. To help improve her condition, Steffie also had to change her diet and lifestyle.
“It has been seven months now since we relocated to Kuching for Steffie’s treatment. Being away from our family and support system in Miri has not been easy for the both of us. I had to leave my job so that I can stay with Steffie and be with her when she needs me. This has also put a financial strain on our family.”
“Sometimes, there was no other choice but to postpone Steffie’s chemotherapy treatment because we just did not have sufficient funds at that time. Those moments are some, if not, the most difficult moment, for us in this journey.”
SCCS has been and continues to care for Steffie and her family by providing financial assistance and emotional support.
“SCCS is amongst the supportive communities who have been helping us since the beginning. Their support has helped to reduce some of our financial burden, especially when we had to take COVID-19 swab tests in private hospitals.”
“They put so much efforts into organising fun kids’ activities at the ward and clinic, and these activities have made such a positive impact for Steffie and the other children who are enduring treatment at the ward. SCCS never overlooks the emotional support that caregivers and parents like myself need. Their encouragement and motivation have given me the strength to take it one step at a time, and made me feel that we are not alone in this journey.”
“What they do to help me and families who are fighting cancer with their children are beyond words and I cannot thank them enough.”
Despite the pain and many challenges that come her way in this cancer-fighting journey, Steffie never gives up fighting to get better. Her courage and determination are admirable and inspiring.
“To be honest, at the beginning of the diagnosis, it was really hard for me to fully accept the situation that we are in. However, I see how determined Steffie is in trying to get better by going through the difficult treatment. She has taught me to embrace this challenge with an open heart and mind. I told myself, if Steffie can be strong and believes that she will survive this, I have no reason not to.”
Staying positive against all odds when battling cancer is easier said than done, but Steffie continues to show up to every chemotherapy session with courage and hope.
“To all the parents and families who are fighting alongside your children, I hope that we can continue to give our best to our children. This journey has not been easy, but trust that we will be given the strength we need to overcome every obstacle that comes our way. The most important thing is to persevere and stay strong.”
“Continue to pay attention to the food they eat, the environment they are in and their mental health. Their happiness is our joy as well.”
You can help kids like Steffie, from as low as RM30/month
Sign up for our Heart of Gold Monthly Donation Programme to help ensure more kids like Steffie get access to the medical treatment and care they need to get better.
Childhood cancer is treatable, and your support can help save lives.
