Tuanku Permaisuri of Johor helps connect moms of kids with cancer

Idris, Zarith Sofiah (2019) Tuanku Permaisuri of Johor helps connect moms of kids with cancer. [Image] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

HM The Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah’s initiative to connect moms of children with cancer has helped to ease the pain and anguish of a mother in Segamat whose child is afflicted with the dreaded disease. Housewife, Junaidah Abdul Hamid, has been devastated since her son, Abdul Azim Mohd Rohazar, 14, was diagnosed with bone cancer. To exacerbate her worries, the best treatment option was to send him to the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kelantan – over 404km by road from her home. The housewife, who has no friends or family in Kelantan, feared for the worst ….not until her plight caught the attention of Tuanku Permaisuri, who lost her son, Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, to cancer in December 2015. Not only did Raja Zarith personally visit her humble home in Segamat, but also brought cheer to the strapped for cash family by informing that HM Tuanku Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, would underwrite the cost of Azim’s operation. Her Majesty went one step further. She immediately activated her pet project – a support group for mothers with cancer-stricken children - to connect Junaidah with Zaitun Hashim in Kelantan. Fondly known as Kak Ton, her daughter, Samihah Suradin (better known as Mimi) had lost her fight against “encephalomyelitis” (a viral infection of the brain and spinal cord) which had left her paralysed for over six years before her demise in 2000. Kak Ton, 64, was the perfect friend and guardian for Junaidah, who was beseeched with fear and uncertainty over the fate of her son, made worst by being in far-flung Kelantan by herself. “When I was struggling with Mimi’s illness, Tuanku Permaisuri had reached out to me with her love and support. She sent a postcard with the words: “From one mother to another loving mother,” recalled Kak Ton. “She also helped to raise money for Mimi’s medical treatment, and even invited me for lunch at the palace in JB. I was moved by her compassion and concern. And thanks to Her Majesty, it is now my turn to repay the kindness to Junaidah,” she said. Junaidah also expressed her gratitude to Raja Zarith for reaching out in her darkest hour and moment of need. “Her Majesty understood my pain. She felt what I was going through emotionally. She advised and encouraged me. She even prayed with me. I was so touched,” said Junaidah while holding back her tears. Azim had his operation last week and is in a stable condition now. He will continue his treatment in HUSM, Kelantan.

Item Type:	Image
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Permaisuri Johor, UTM Chancellor, cancer
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DS Asia DS Asia L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Depositing User:	Nurul Nadia Mohamad Anuar
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2019 03:32
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2019 03:32
URI:	http://odlsystem2.utm.my/id/eprint/2059

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