We often assume that life-threatening diseases will never come knocking on the door when it comes to young children as they’re considered to be in the prime of their lives.
Sadly for a couple in Sabah, they were left grappling with the heartbreaking reality of having to care for their 19-month-old child for a disease that usually affects women past the age of 40 — ovarian cancer.
19-month-old M’sian girl suffers ovarian cancer
Speaking to Sinar Daily, Fallarystia Sintom, the mother of Daneen Auni Riksi, said her daughter experienced abdominal bloating and constipation since August.
“My child became very uncomfortable and could only cry to express her discomfort as she hasn’t learn how to speak. Her stomach was bloated, and she had difficulty with her bowel movements.
“On top of that, she became rather inactive and would insist on being carried,” she recounted.
Sensing that something was wrong, Fallarystia sent Daneen to Kota Marudu Hospital for a checkup but a diagnosis couldn’t be made there.
On Sept 28, Daneen’s blood count plummeted sharply, prompting a referral to the Sabah Women’s and Children’s Hospital (HWKKS), where her parents were hit with shocking news.
“A 13.5cm tumour was found and Daneen had to undergo surgery immediately. After the surgery, doctors confirmed that she had Stage 3 ovarian cancer, a case which they found to be rare.
I was heartbroken by the news because my child was still so young and had already had her right ovary removed,” said a distraught Fallarystia.
Seeking public’s help in funding treatment costs
For the time being, Daneen’s sole method of treating her ovarian cancer is via chemotherapy, which is slated to begin soon.
However, this also meant that her parents would be saddled with huge medical bills, something which has been troubling them ever since Daneen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
“So far, the hospital has not provided an estimate for the costs, including the surgery already performed and the chemotherapy treatment.
“I’m also working in Kudat and cannot always visit and accompany my child and wife, who is now at the hospital in Kota Kinabalu,” said Daneen’s father Riksi Tahir.
As such, he is appealing to the public to chip in and help fund his daughter’s treatment costs.
Those who wish to make a contribution can do so by transferring money to Riksi’s Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) account at 1200241000113103. Alternatively, they can also call him at 010-7644532 or his wife Fallarystia at 010-2608905.
We wish Daneen a speedy recovery and we hope she will be cancer-free soon!
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