Malaysians Rally To Fund Girl's Cancer Treatment, RM344,844 Raised

MELAKA, March 9 (Bernama) -- Sufficient funds have been raised to purchase the special medication needed for treating neuroblastoma (nerve cancer) for 7-year-old Nur Sumayyah. 

Her father, Azroyhatta Md Jais, 35, expressed gratitude to Malaysians who contributed towards the RM344,844 needed for the medication.

He said the donations received through his bank account reached the required amount last Friday. This happened less than a month after news about his daughter's condition was shared on social media and in the news.

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"I am truly thankful for every contribution, even RM1, as each amount is significant for Nur Sumayyah. It feels like a weight has been lifted since we learned we needed to prepare over RM300,000 for the medication.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all Malaysians, regardless of their race, who offered their support during this time. I appreciate those who checked in on us and sent encouraging messages via WhatsApp. I pray that God rewards all the donors for their kindness," he told reporters here today.

The factory technician thanked the Melaka government, particularly Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem and Kesidang assemblyman Allex Seah Shoo Chin. 

He said the duo's assistance facilitating interactions with various agencies, including the Social Welfare Department and the Melaka Zakat Centre, was greatly appreciated.

He added that the efforts of these two representatives in sharing Nur Sumayyah's story on their social media platforms significantly increased public attention, which initiated the donation drive for his only child in early February.

Azroyhatta said Nur Sumayyah will undergo a special cancer treatment procedure using the medication Qarziba by early September. She will also start extra chemotherapy sessions from tomorrow at Hospital Tunku Azizah in Kuala Lumpur.

He urged Malaysians to keep praying for Nur Sumayyah's health so that she could undergo all necessary treatments and recover soon, allowing her to enjoy a normal childhood like her peers.

"Despite having undergone eight sessions of chemotherapy, Alhamdulillah, Nur Sumayyah’s health remains stable. I know she is very strong, but at times, her emotions are affected, possibly due to the discomt caused by the side effects of the treatments she has received," he said.

Nur Sumayyah was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on Oct 28 last year after experiencing recurring nighttime fevers for a week and abdominal pain. She was then taken to a clinic and referred to Putra Specialist Hospital for further treatment.

An ultrasound examination revealed a large mass in her abdomen, which prompted a CT scan and subsequent referral to HTA. Doctors concluded that 90 per cent of the mass was likely neuroblastoma based on her symptoms. She underwent several treatment procedures at HTA, including chemotherapy. On Feb 19, she underwent surgery to remove the cancer cells.

-- BERNAMA