KUCHING: Despite battling stage 4 colon cancer, 55-year-old Tan You Sik remains determined to keep working to support himself and his wife, Esan Suli, 54.
The couple, who live in Moyan and have no children, were recently visited by local non-governmental organisation (NGO, Hope Place Kuching.
Tan was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021 and has since undergone both radiotherapy and ongoing chemotherapy.
According to Esan, the treatment often leaves him extremely weak and fatigued but Tan refuses to give in.
On days when he is not scheduled for chemo sessions, Tan continues to take on small electrical wiring jobs.
Hope Place was moved to learn that despite his physical suffering, Tan still chooses to work when he can.
“I take strong doses of morphine just to get through the pain.
“If I still have the energy, I’ll keep working. I don’t have a choice,” he said.
While Esan tries to support them by selling homemade snacks such as peanuts and anchovies, the couple relies on a RM200 monthly assistance from the Welfare Department.
Members of a local church have also stepped in to help them with the monthly rent.
Hope Place continues to provide essential food aid to Tan and Esan, urging the public to lend support to those in similar situations.
For those who wish to help, donations can be made to Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) via Maybank account 5112 8900 1160.
For more details or to request a donation receipt, call 082 505 987 or 013 567 2775.
Donations are also accepted through Sarawak Pay / S PAY GLOBAL QR code available on their official Facebook page.