Sharing by Saifudin’s mother
Drawing and watching cartoons are some of Saifudin’s favourite pastime activities. He also enjoys outdoor play time by taking his remote-controlled toy car out for a ride.
Saifudin is a childhood cancer relapse patient. In 2019, he was first diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (Pre-B ALL) when he was only six years old.
Early signs like a prolonged fever, bruises on certain parts of his body and his pale complexion led to the discovery of his first cancer diagnosis.
“The first time I noticed these changes in his body, I did not know those were early symptoms of cancer. Back then, I did not have much medical knowledge and there was no thermometer at home for me to measure his body temperature. He was having a high fever and his condition was deteriorating, so I decided to bring him to the nearest clinic in our hometown Betong for a check-up.”
Upon his first diagnosis, Saifudin and his mother had to temporarily move to Kuching to receive treatment in the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) to get better. He successfully completed his treatment within a few months and diligently continued his follow-up care back in Betong.
Three years later in 2022, the doctors detected warning signs of relapse through Saifudin’s blood test results in one of his scheduled follow-up in Hospital Betong. He was immediately referred to the Sri Aman Hospital before being transferred to the SGH for further scans, tests and treatment.
“The most challenging part for Saifudin during his cancer-fighting journey is his loss of appetite. He is always tired and barely has energy because he does not have the appetite to eat. Due to his active treatment, his emotions are constantly changing. Seeing him in his mood swings is tough for me because I do not know what I can do to make him feel more comfortable, but I know that as a parent caring for him, I need to control my own emotions so I can be strong for him.”
Saifudin has braved through seven cycles of chemotherapy and is currently undergoing treatment to get better.
“After my husband passed away, I am a single mother of three and the only breadwinner for my family. When I am here caring for Saifudin, I have to put my job on hold and leave my other children under the care of my father at our kampung (village). Just thinking about it gives me a lot of anxiety but I know that every child deserves a chance in life.”
“No matter how difficult this journey is, we need to continue providing our child with hope that this is just another obstacle in life to overcome. As a mother, there is nothing I would not do to give my child the best that I could. It is this hope and mindset that gives me the courage to continue fighting.”
With most of their families and support system based in Betong, Saifudin and his mother currently find shelter at SCCS halfway home in Kuching.
“Since my son’s first treatment, SCCS has done a lot to help us and other families who are going through a similar journey. We do not have to worry about affording a place to stay in Kuching because we are provided with free accommodation, food and transportation to and fro the hospital for treatment.”
“I am able to share my problems, stress and worries with them, and this helps me calm down emotionally knowing that I am not alone in this journey. Most importantly, understanding that I need to leave my job to care for Saifudin, SCCS has been providing us with financial support, helping to reduce our family’s financial burden.”
“Our family is forever grateful and thankful to SCCS for giving us all these much-needed care and support.”
Fighting cancer is a tough battle but fighting together can make it a little easier to bear.
“To all the parents out there who are going through the same journey, we need to stay strong and be resilient in the face of uncertainties and challenges when caring for our unwell child. Pray for healing and the strength to keep fighting. Know that there will be light at the end of each tunnel.”
You can help kids like Saifudin, from as low as RM30/month
Sign up for our Heart of Gold Monthly Donation Programme to help ensure more kids like Saifudin get access to the medical treatment and care they need to get better.
Childhood cancer is treatable, and your support can help save lives.
