Welcome to MAKNA {A Meaning to Life}

“...Most often they are blessings in disguise and thus we have to be strong to face them... ”

Mazlyen Murang
2 years old

My journey to Sabah was filled with wonderful experiences, each uniquely different. In particular, I could not wait to see how one child suffering from Chronic Myleod Leukemia was doing. She is only 2 years old but would the light shine from her eyes as she continued to battle the cancer that was ravaging her body? My journey from Tenom to Sipitang took one and a half hours. When I arrived at Kampung Mendulong, the journey continued through gravel roads and we even had to cross a river. But, believe me the scenery was astounding!

I stopped to enquire about the address of our child patient, Mazlyen Murang from one of the villagers who, by coincidence happened to be Mazlyen's relative. Upon my arrival at Mazlyen's house, my colleague had already arrived. We had split up to cover different areas as part of our visit and we finally ended here. I asked her where little Mazlyen was and she pointed to a little girl who was busy eating instant noodles. I went closer and said, "So, this is Mazlyen. How clever she is, to be able to eat on her own." On seeing a stranger talking to her she began to cry. Mazlyen's parents were not in but she was looked after by her brother and sister. They appeared close to one another.

Then I asked Mazlyen's brother to bring his father home as we wish to interview him. Little Mazlyen is the eleventh of twelve children. Her father is a construction worker, while her mother works in the field. With their unstable income, they find it difficult to feed the family. Despite their impoverished state, education is of the utmost importance to the family. Seven children are attending school. Three of his sons who are jobless help out with their side incomes.

In the midst of the interview, Mazlyen seemed more comfortable with us. When I smiled at her, she returned my smile. It showed on her face as if she understood the reason of our visit. Although she did not speak much, I could see that she was suffering. With her sweet smile and bloated stomach, she seemed to have a strong will and was even teasing her sister. Mazlyen is still undergoing chemotherapy and may soon undergo intensive treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. However her parents have yet to make a final decision on this and we have advised them to do what is best for Mazlyen and her future. Imagine the long and tiresome journey covering 30 kilometres on gravel roads, each time they have to take Mazlyen to the hospital. But I believe that her parents will make the right decision.

At the end of the interview, with their permission we took a few pictures of Mazlyen and her family. Mazlyen was both shy and excited as we took photos of her. Her father extended his appreciation and gratitude to MAKNA for providing them with financial assistance. I also told him about MAKNA Microcredit Scheme for those who wish to set up a business on a small scale. He seemed enthusiastic and will take the opportunity to apply for the scheme. Before we left, I offered words of advice to the family not to be easily disheartened with life's trials and tribulations. Most often they are blessings in disguise and thus we have to be strong to face them. I could not resist little Mazlyen's cute smile and so before bidding farewell, I gave her a kiss, stroked her cheeks and tummy and left, with the hope of seeing her again.

written by Shaz ,2007