Most of us think of a workplace as just that—a place to work.
But every now and then, you hear a story that reminds you how some companies go above and beyond, becoming a true lifeline during life’s toughest moments.
For one young woman, her employer didn’t just give her a job—they gave her family hope when all seemed lost.
Shareena, who shared her story on Threads, revealed how her company’s emergency relief fund came through when her father faced a life-threatening health crisis.
What started as an act of courage to seek help turned into an unforgettable experience of kindness and compassion.
The tumour surgery came with a shocking price tag of RM50,000
Back in 2018, Shareena’s world turned upside down when her father was diagnosed with a tumour the size of a tennis ball, dangerously close to his brain.
To make things worse, he also had heart problems, which made the situation even more critical.
Doctors told the family that two surgeries were needed immediately—one for his heart and another to remove the tumour.
While the heart procedure was successful, the tumour surgery came with a shocking price tag of RM50,000.
The family didn’t have the money, and waiting for government hospital support was out of the question.
“We didn’t have that kind of money. Waiting two years at a government hospital wasn’t an option—he wouldn’t survive that long,” Shareena explained.
Her father, despite his fragile health, tried to raise the funds. He reached out to friends, took on work, and prayed for a miracle. But as his headaches worsened, time was running out.
A desperate call for help
In the midst of their struggle, Shareena remembered that her company had an emergency relief fund (ERF). She suggested it to her father, but he refused, insisting there were others who needed it more than him.
Determined to do something, Shareena went ahead and submitted an application to the fund, unsure if it would even be considered.
To her surprise, the company responded quickly, asking for further details like medical reports, bills, and diagnostic results.
A few days later, Shareena received the news that changed everything.
“Hi Shareena,
Your ERF request was reviewed by the ERF council and approved for the full amount requested, i.e., 50,000 MYR,” the email read.
For the first time in weeks, the family felt a glimmer of hope.
View on Threads
‘But life had other plans. He didn’t make it’
With the financial burden lifted, the surgery was scheduled. But in an unexpected twist, Shareena’s father didn’t make it through the procedure.
His heart failed during the operation, and the family lost him that day.
“But life had other plans. He didn’t make it. His heart gave out during the procedure. I lost him that day. But what my company did for us changed my life,” Shareena shared.
Even in the midst of her grief, Shareena couldn’t help but feel grateful for what her employer had done.
“They didn’t just give us money. They gave us hope. To my dad: I miss you every day. I hope I’m making you proud. And to the company that helped us: Thank you. You made me believe in kindness again,” she wrote.
Great and big hearted company
Her post struck a chord with readers, leaving many emotional over the rare compassion shown by her workplace.
People were amazed that a company would extend such significant support—not just for an employee but for a family member.
