JOHOR BARU – A 17-year-old cancer survivor who battled leukaemia for four years has received an RM2,000 donation from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Nur Fatin Saffia was only a Form 1 student when she was first diagnosed with the disease after discovering a suspicious lump on her neck.
After the diagnosis, Fatin – who lives in the Kinta district of Perak – was advised not to attend school as she had to undergo chemotherapy.
“Initially I was in shock when I got the diagnosis.
“I was really afraid about my future, but then I realised life has to go on and I focused on my chemotherapy treatment,” Fatin said when contacted.
The costs of medication also took a heavy toll on Fatin’s parents, pointing out her father had no choice but to sell their home to cover the price of treatment.
Fortunately for Fatin and her family, she is currently free from the disease and ready to return to school and sit for her SPM examinations.
“The disease can always come back, I am aware of that.
“Right now we just have to focus on the expenses for school, which is why I am both thankful and surprised that the prime minister was aware of my situation and chose to help.
“I am very thankful for the donation and I really hope to meet him after my exams to thank him personally,” Fatin added.
Meanwhile, Hulu Kinta assemblyman Arafat Varisai Mahamad pointed out that he came to know about Fatin’s plight after being informed by the Tambun MP with instructions to help this family.
Arafat said that the student was persistent with her desire to get back to school but required assistance, highlighting that she has 3 other siblings, the youngest of which is 8 years old.
“Anwar as Tambun MP gave RM2,000 to ease the family’s burden.
“He also ordered us to communicate with other public agencies so that Fatin and her family can get the help that they need.
“They surprised and very thankful that their MP who also serves as prime minister had time for his constituents,” Arafat said when contacted. – The Vibes, January 26, 2023
