2-year-old Dionisius is the youngest of five siblings, and the sunshine of the family. His laughter filled their home with joy, even during the toughest times after his shocking cancer diagnosis. His mother, who cared for him every step of the way, shares their journey.

The First Signs
My son, Dion, has always been such a bundle of joy. His cheerful personality could brighten any room he was in.

But one day, during a routine check-up, the nurses noticed something unusual — Dion looked very pale. That simple observation led to more tests, and soon the doctors found that his platelet levels were alarmingly low.

We were told to rush to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching. The urgency of it all terrified me. If the doctors needed us there immediately, it could only mean Dion’s condition was very serious.

At the same time, my heart was torn — I had four other children in school who depended on me, and I didn’t know how to juggle everything.

My Treatment Journey
At SGH, our fears were confirmed. Dion was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). It came as a complete shock — he hadn’t shown any of the usual symptoms. No bruises, no unusual tiredness. He was still the same happy, bubbly Dion we all knew.

It was the end of 2024 when we arrived in Kuching from Miri. Dion was warded in December, and chemotherapy began soon after.

Just eight days after his first session, small bruises appeared on his ear. I was worried sick. Some days, Dion refused to eat or drink his milk, and often he would vomit. If he caught a fever, we had to move to a different cubicle reserved for sick children. It was exhausting. Many nights, after Dion had fallen asleep, I’d cry quietly, feeling so helpless.

Still, Dion found joy even in the hospital ward. He loved watching cartoons on YouTube, strolling around when he wasn’t too tired, and playing with the nurses. It was during this time that we met the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS).

Support Away from Home
Despite the difficult diagnosis, Dion’s treatment went smoothly with no major delays. He remained joyful, even while going through chemo.

One of the hardest moments for me was watching his hair fall out. But what kept me going was seeing how the treatment slowly worked — Dion was getting better. That gave me strength and reminded me to have faith.

The SCCS team became a lifeline for us. They provided monthly financial aid, helped with daily needs like diapers and milk powder, and even organized celebrations and family outings that gave us something to look forward to.

When Dion’s dad came to visit, we visited a local mall, where I remember how excited Dion was at a car roadshow that was being held there. He’s such a car lover, and he happily climbed into every show car he could find.

After Dion was discharged, we stayed at the SCCS Halfway Home, which gave us a safe and supportive place to rest until he was strong enough to return home.

“Dion was such a bubbly child. He and his mum were inseparable. He loved watching YouTube, though he always got frustrated with the ads. And I’d often see him sucking his thumb,” recalled Shu Shan.

Moving Forward
Dion completed his last treatment in March 2025. We stayed at the Halfway Home while waiting for the doctor’s clearance, and finally, on April 28th, we were able to return to Miri.

I was beyond grateful that his treatment had gone so smoothly, with no major complications. From the day we arrived in December 2024 until our return, it felt like a long, emotional battle — but one that ended with hope.

Now, Dion only goes for follow-up checkups at Miri Hospital. He’s doing really well and even started school again — just twice a week for now, but he absolutely loves it. As for me, I can finally breathe easier, with life slowly returning to our daily routines.

A Message of Hope
To all the parents walking this difficult road of caring for a child with cancer:
Stay strong, and take care of your own health too. This journey is full of challenges, especially emotionally, but don’t give up hope. Keep praying for your child, and never lose courage.