Permaisuri of Johor contributes RM20,000 to two cancer-stricken students
JOHOR BAHARU: The Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah yesterday contributed RM20,000 to two students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), who have been diagnosed with colon cancer and stage four testicular cancer.
The students are Mohd Khairul Afnan Mohd Zaki, 21, who is a second year student of Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Mohamad Syafiq Zulkefli, 20, a third year student of Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Automotive).
The contribution was presented at a meeting between Raja Zarith Sofia and Mohamad Syafiq and Mohd Khairul Afnan's father Mohd Zaki Yaacob, 49, which was held for nearly one hour at the UTM vice-chancellor's office, here yesterday.
At the meeting, Raja Zarith Sofia gave them her advice and words of encouragement.
“Contact your doctors if you feel any level of pain, listen to their advice.
Never think of hiding the disease, if the disease is detected at an early stage, we might have the best chance of a cure. Always be positive, be strong, do not despair,” she said.
Raja Zarith Sofiah also advised them to look for other alternative cancer treatments, including through traditional treatment and taking food such as soursop and green tea that are believed can be used to treat cancer.
Meanwhile, Mohd Syafiq who is suffering from stage four testicular cancer said he was deeply touched by the concern shown by Raja Zarith Sofiah.
Mohd Syafiq said his body had first started showing early symptoms of the disease in March last year when he suffered a swollen abdomen and since then he had to undergo regular checkups at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital, here.
“After multiple treatment and surgeries, the doctor said it (the disease) has spread to the lungs and heart,” said the second of five siblings from Kulim, Kedah.
Mohd Shafiq said, though he was afflicted with the disease, he still continued with his studies at UTM but had a plan to postpone the next semester to undergo further treatment.
“I am getting used to living with the disease. I often feel the pain but I do not care much and continue to study as usual, except for the severe abdominal pain. I willed myself because I believe I still have hope,” he said.
According to Mohd Zaki, his son (Mohd Khairul Afnan) was first diagnosed with colon cancer after he underwent an appendectomy surgery last year.
“After the surgery, my son still complained of abdominal pain and we went for a check up and the doctor confirmed that there were other tumours in the colon.
“Due to the disease, my son has difficulty passing his stool and urine and gets tired easily,” Mohd Zaki, who is from Jeli, Kelantan said, adding that he would use the money to bring his son to undergo chemotherapy soon. - Bernama