The First Signs
Before she fell ill, my daughter Aleesya was a cheerful, easygoing, and sociable little girl. But everything began to change when she started experiencing unusual symptoms like persistent knee pain that lasted for a month, swelling in her feet, and recurring fever and chills.

As her mother, I knew something wasn’t right. Worried, I brought her to Sibu Hospital, where she was admitted. The doctors performed surgery on her feet and ran several tests afterwards. That was when we received the devastating news: Aleesya had leukaemia.

There was barely any time to process the diagnosis. Soon after, we were on a plane to Kuching, accompanied by a nurse, heading straight to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). It was there that Aleesya was officially diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) — a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood, and typically happens when certain genes or chromosomes mutate.

My Treatment Journey
Adjusting to our new reality was incredibly difficult. We were far from home, and I had to shoulder the full responsibility of caring for Aleesya on my own as she began treatment.

Aleesya started chemotherapy at SGH, and not long after, the doctors told us she would need a bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, her older brother turned out to be a compatible donor. The three of us then travelled to Kuala Lumpur, to Hospital Pakar Kanak-kanak, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HPKK UKM), for the transplant.

Our time at HPKK was one of the most challenging parts of the journey. Because of strict transplant protocols, Aleesya had to remain in isolation. Even caregivers like myself could only leave the room at specific times during the week. I often felt helpless, confined by rules while watching my daughter endure so much.

During the transplant, Aleesya contracted an infection that left her very weak. Her blood count results were not improving, so we had to extend our stay in KL, remaining there for almost three months. My vibrant, bubbly baby girl grew quiet and withdrawn. Yet, the nurses at HPKK always praised her courage. Despite the pain and tears, she never gave up.

One moment that shattered me was when her brother had to leave after donating his bone marrow. Due to her isolation, Aleesya couldn’t even “salam” him goodbye. She cried and cried.  My heart broke watching her.

During treatment, Aleesya’s legs became weak, and she often needed a wheelchair to help her get around.

Support Away from Home
When we first arrived in Kuching, I felt completely lost and alone. Being away from the rest of our family in an unfamiliar city during such a difficult time was overwhelming. But that changed when we were introduced to the team at the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS). For the first time, I realised we weren’t alone. 

Aleesya and I stayed at the hospital and the SCCS Halfway Home while in Kuching. There, we met other families who were walking the same difficult path. I found comfort in their words, their presence, and their understanding.

SCCS supported us in more ways than I could have imagined:
– Monthly financial aid to ease the burden of being a single mother.
– Accommodation, transportation, and food rations to allow us to focus on Aleesya’s care without worrying about daily necessities.
– Medical equipment loans, such as a wheelchair and crutches when her legs grew too weak.
– Flight assistance for Aleesya’s treatment in Kuching, the transplant in KL, and return trips.
– Medical expenses support, especially for the costly bone marrow transplant.
– Accommodation at the Ronald McDonald House during our time in KL.
– Recreational activities to give both Aleesya and myself moments of joy and distraction from treatment.

Words can’t express how much SCCS has helped us, their support is beyond measure.

It was Aleesya’s strength and resilience that gave me hope. Seeing her fight and smile through the pain reminded me to stay strong. I also found encouragement in the other parents and children we met, each of them showing us that we’re in this together.

I always told Aleesya, “Never give up. Fight the illness like you’re in a race. Keep going until you reach the finish line.”

Aleesya, the Friend, the Fighter
Even during treatment, Aleesya loved to play mobile games, draw, and do arts and crafts. She easily made friends with other children, nurses, and teachers at the hospital and centre.

She grew especially close with Rosita, who received treatment at the same time. The two became very good friends.

“In the beginning, Aleesya was quite shy and quiet. But over time, as she got more comfortable, she became the big sister at the ward and centre. Everyone loved her because she was so friendly and warm, and she always greeted everyone and was such a great person to talk to,” shared Trisha, part of the SCCS Support Team.

Her favourite activities included making bracelets, jewellery, and slime. She also spent a lot of time with Rosita, laughing and creating together.

“Mak Aleesya became a source of light too—always outgoing and encouraging, lifting others up during their toughest days. She stayed by Aleesya’s side through it all,” continued Trisha.

Moving Forward
[Note from the SCCS team:]
When Aleesya and her mum arrived in Kuching, SCCS stepped in to provide support throughout their treatment journey. This included assistance with daily necessities and access to facilities at our Halfway Home, sponsored flight tickets between Sibu, Kuching, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as transportation and accommodation for their hospital visits at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) and in KL. We also extended financial and medical aid to ease their burden.

In total, SCCS sponsored over RM36,900, covering costs for Aleesya’s bone marrow transplant at HPKK, accommodation and flights for Aleesya, her mother, and her brother, along with ongoing monthly financial assistance.

In April 2025, Aleesya finally completed her treatment. We’ve since returned home to Sibu, where she continues her follow-up care at the local hospital. She has also returned to school.

To the families and caregivers who are walking this road now, I want to say: “Never give up because of your child’s illness. Stay strong, stay together, and encourage your child every step of the way. Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out, connect, and lean on others. Never surrender before the fight is over.”