KUCHING: At a time when illness has reshaped their daily lives, two Sarawak patients battling cancer were reminded that they are not alone, as the hand of compassion reached them in their homes in Kampung Muara Tebas and Kampung Sebat Baru.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri recently visited them and handed over welfare assistance.
In Kampung Muara Tebas, Nursyalsabilla Zaidi, a teenager undergoing treatment for Stage 2 salivary gland cancer, faces a struggle far removed from the usual concerns of youth.
Diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, her days are now defined by medical appointments, treatment routines and the quiet endurance demanded by the disease.
Yet, during Nancy’s visit, Nursyalsabilla’s calm and composure stood out. Observing her condition, Nancy noted that while many young people are focused on chasing dreams and shaping their future, Nursyalsabilla is confronting a far more daunting challenge, fighting for her health with remarkable resilience.
Acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of the journey, Nancy said battling cancer is not just a medical process, but one that requires patience, inner strength and continuous support from family members, the surrounding community and relevant agencies.
To help ease the burden borne by the young patient and her family, Nancy presented a one-off welfare contribution aimed at assisting with medical expenses, expressing hope that the assistance would provide some relief during this difficult period.
The minister later continued her outreach to Kampung Sebat Baru in Sematan, where she met Rumbia Joni, an elderly woman who is currently battling Stage 4 cancer.
Rumbia is a recipient under the Social Welfare Department’s (JKM) Elderly Assistance scheme, reflecting the ongoing support she receives amid her illness.
Despite the advanced stage of her condition, Rumbia’s quiet strength was evident. Nancy noted that the elderly woman remained calm and composed, expressing a quiet dignity in the face of a serious and life-altering health challenge.
As with the earlier visit, Nancy handed over a one-off welfare contribution to assist with medical needs, stressing that while the assistance may be modest, it was meant as a gesture of care and reassurance, indicating that Rumbia and her family are not facing this struggle in isolation.
Nancy hoped that both patients would continue to be granted strength and peace of mind as they undergo treatment, while relevant parties remain attentive to the needs and welfare of their families during this challenging chapter of their lives.
