KUCHING: Fourteen-year-old Muhammad Arif Muhammad Aryan, a spirited teenager with a passion for muay thai, is currently facing his toughest opponent yet: stage-three brain cancer.
Despite the debilitating diagnosis received in December last year, the teenager remains remarkably resilient, undergoing intensive treatment while maintaining a positive outlook.
His mother, Ida, 46, recounted that the discovery was sudden.
Originally an active and healthy boy, Arif began complaining of persistent headaches before a noticeable change in his eyes prompted a hospital visit.
“The doctors told us he needed surgery the very next day,” she said, noting that her son has since undergone three major operations.
The financial burden of these procedures was initially eased by his school’s takaful fund, which covered the substantial down payments required for the surgeries.
However, the ongoing battle requires Arif to spend approximately one week every month undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The illness has also forced a shift in the family’s stability.
Ida, previously employed as a cleaner, resigned from her job to provide full-time care for Arif.
While Ida’s sister assists with hospital transportation, the family’s savings have been largely depleted by medical-related expenses.
The family currently survives on RM400 in monthly social welfare assistance, supplemented by support from the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), which has been aiding them since January.
Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Hope Place has also stepped in to provide continuous food aid following a referral from a Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) social worker.
In a recent visit ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the NGO delivered festive goodies, including hampers, soft drinks, and new ‘baju Raya’ for Arif and his nine-year-old sister, Arifah.
Despite his condition, Arif continues to study from home and expresses constant concern for his family’s welfare, often encouraging his mother to return to work.
“He is always smiling. His willpower is very strong,” Ida added.
Those moved by Arif’s story or wishing to support similar cases can reach out to Hope Place or the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society for more information on how to contribute.
