PETALING JAYA: Until recently, little Bazli’s world was much like that of any other child approaching his third birthday – shaped by play, familiar routines and the steady presence of his parents at their home in Semporna, Sabah.
Then came a fever that refused to go away.
His parents initially believed he had caught the common cold and expected medication and rest to help him recover. But Bazli then developed a runny nose and cough, followed by swelling between his ear and jaw.
Most frighteningly, the little boy who had already been walking suddenly lost strength in both legs.
Fearing a serious infection, his parents brought him to hospital. A series of examinations led to the devastating diagnosis: Bazli had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, or B-cell ALL.
This marked the beginning of a long treatment programme involving 10 chemotherapy cycles. Bazli has so far completed four far and, according to welfare NGO Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda, is responding well.
Six cycles, however, remain.
For someone not yet three, Bazli’s days are now shaped by hospital stays, intravenous drips, medication and repeated treatment. Each completed cycle brings his parents relief, but also reminds them of how much further he has to go.
“No parent ever wishes to see their child lying in a hospital bed. All they can do is stay by their child’s side and quietly pray for a miracle,” his mother, Sanrah Amil, said.
“I never imagined my child would have cancer. Why did it have to be my child?”
Sanrah has stopped working so she can remain by his side, while his father continues supporting the household. But with the family now relying largely on a single income, the expenses tied to Bazli’s care have become increasingly difficult to manage.
These include:
- transportation to appointments;
- accommodation during treatment;
- special milk formula and nutritional supplements;
- diapers and daily care supplies;
- other related costs.
VCare has set a goal of raising RM13,800 so Bazli’s parents can focus on his care without the constant anxiety of meeting every expense. As of Aug 3, the NGO had raised part of the target, with RM9,356 still needed.
Every contribution from the public would help cover the family’s practical needs and give them greater stability as little Bazli completes the remaining chemotherapy cycles.
His parents remain hopeful that treatment will allow him to return to the ordinary pleasures of childhood – walking, playing, and growing up in the safety of home.
If you wish to help, kindly bank in your contribution to Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) account 0219 0411 0012 2711 (Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda), using the reference ‘CASE 48’.
For verification and receipt, send your transaction slip to Jeanna Goh at 016-337 2749 or email vcarewelfaremalaysia@gmail.com.
Find out more about Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda here.
