KUCHING: A five-year-old boy from Kampung Semera, Asajaya, is fighting a courageous battle against leukaemia with unwavering determination despite the hardships his family faces.
Hope Place Kuching, in a statement, said that Muhammad Aqil Hazwan Khalid was diagnosed with Precursor B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in September last year.
He was immediately warded for a month-long hospital stay, and since then, has been undergoing regular chemotherapy.
“According to his mother, Lijawati, 37, although Aqil appears as cheerful and energetic as any other child his age, he has a very low immune system, falls sick easily, and bruises often,” the non-governmental organisation said in a statement on Thursday.
The young boy initially required tube feeding during treatment but is now on oral medication after repeatedly pulling out the feeding tube.
“I am brave. I am not afraid of eating medicine or needles,” Aqil told doctors during a hospital visit – words that moved his mother to tears.
Despite his tender age, Aqil has shown remarkable strength, having completed 13 sessions of intensive chemotherapy, including injections near his lungs and heart – a procedure known to be painful even for adults.
“Remarkably, his mother said Aqil never once cried or protested, and at present, he continues to undergo chemotherapy once every two weeks, which now involves injections in the arm,” said Hope Place Kuching.
His father, Khalid, 37, the sole breadwinner, works as a daily-paid construction worker.
To ease the burden, Lijawati supplements the household income by selling homemade kuih, kuih sepit and fried chicken in front of their home.
“My boy’s courage inspires me to fight for a better future,” she said.
Aqil’s nine-year-old sister, Elissya, plays an equally important role in the family.
Known for her independence, she often stays home alone when her parents are at the hospital, with neighbours keeping a watchful eye over her.
Aqil is well-loved by those around him.
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) has gifted him with toys while his sister is his constant companion at home.
Hope Place, also known as Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK), is currently assisting the family with children’s diapers, milk powder, school supplies and toys.
Aqil also receives RM300 in monthly financial aid from the Social Welfare Department and transport assistance from SCCS.
Members of the public who wish to support Aqil and his family can contact Hope Place at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
Donations can be made directly to Maybank account number 511289001160.
Receipts will be issued upon request.
The public can also visit Hope Place’s Facebook page for its Sarawak Pay/S PAY GLOBAL QR code.
