A Mother’s Heart Knows

On 20 August 2025, my five-year-old daughter, Helsa, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Before that, I noticed her face looked very pale. She had fever on and off for almost a month, and her skin slowly turned yellow. A mother’s heart knows when something is not right.

When the fever did not go away, I brought her to a nearby private clinic. The doctor advised us to go to Hospital Saratok for a blood test. From there, everything moved very quickly — Saratok Hospital, then Sarikei Hospital, her blood sample sent to Sibu Hospital for confirmation, and finally we were referred to Hospital Umum Sarawak in Kuching.

When the doctors confirmed it was cancer, my heart broke.

Leaving Home, Holding On To Hope

Leaving our hometown was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I had to leave my eight-year-old son behind. My heart felt so heavy, but I followed Helsa to Kuching because all I wanted was for her to recover.

Even her father kept asking the doctors again and again, hoping it was not really cancer.

Since 29 October 2025, we have been staying at the SCCS Halfway Home while Helsa receives treatment in Ward 2A. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy — five cycles in total. She is now in her fourth cycle, and the fifth cycle has been delayed because her blood counts are low.

Watching her go through treatment has been very painful.

The First Treatment

I will never forget the first time she received treatment.

My once healthy little girl was suddenly connected to many wires. I was shocked and afraid. Whenever I thought about cancer, I could not stop my mind from thinking about death. I did not know how to handle everything because I had no experience.

After chemotherapy, the days were also difficult. Helsa had mood swings and did not want to eat. It was very hard to persuade her. The stronger the chemotherapy dose, the weaker she became. Sometimes she just wanted to sleep.

But when the dose was lighter, she could still play with her toys.

A Brave Little Fighter

Now, Helsa understands her condition better. She is more cooperative and carefully takes care of the line on her body, especially the CVL area. Even at five years old, she knows she must protect it.

Before she got sick, she loved eating nasi kicap with fried eggs and Mi Kolok. She still asks for Mi Kolok now, but she cannot finish her meals because her appetite has decreased.

She likes to play quietly by herself or with her older brother when she is home. On better days, she still smiles and plays like any other child.

Staying Strong for Her

There are many moments when I feel like crying. But I remind myself that I must stay strong so that Helsa can be strong too.

Friends and family constantly call to check on us. Her teacher also asks about her condition. Their support gives me strength. For me, if I want my daughter to fight, I must show her that I am ready to fight alongside her.

A Support System That Makes a Difference

I am extremely grateful to SCCS for all the support they have given us. The accommodation and transportation, and monthly subsidy have helped us so much, especially because we live far away. Their support goes beyond what we expected and has made a big difference in this challenging time.

Because of them, I can focus fully on Helsa’s care.

A Message To Other Parents

To all mothers and fathers walking this same journey — stay strong and keep believing.

There will be hard days, but try to focus on the positive moments, no matter how small they may seem. Your strength gives your child courage. Stand beside them with hope in your heart and trust the doctors guiding the treatment. Focus on each step forward and on helping your child recover.

Even though the journey is painful, remember that when your child gets better, the joy will be even greater. Cherish this journey. It will teach you what true strength really means.