Welcome to MAKNA {A Meaning to Life}

“...it must be as tough as it is for her mother, losing her much-loved father and now stricken with a brain tumor...”

Nurul Azieeana

Placement visits to patients' houses form part of daily work at MAKNA. I am a practical student from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and am undergoing my internship at MAKNA. My home visit was to Pelabuhan Klang and I was accompanied by MAKNA staff Ranjini and another practical student, Mar. This visit was certainly an eye opener for me, as we arrived at the doorstep of the patient's house. There was a warm welcome by the patient's mother who knew about our visit and was waiting anxiously to meet us.

While we sat and chatted with the patient's mother and enquired about her daughter's health, a teenage girl joined us and introduced herself as Nurul Azieeana. Nurul's appearance seemed alright but I was moved when her mother said Nurul is the one whom we are looking for. This charming looking teenage girl is suffering from Alieblasforma Multitordie, a form of aggressive brain tumour. In my mind I thought about the fact that she had just completed her SPM and was about to step into college or university to fulfill her dreams and now she has a big hurdle ahead of her. Eighteen year old Nurul, was once active in academia, sports and co-curriculum. She joined the Malaysian Teen hockey team and was a Fireman Cadet with the rank of Sergeant. These active involvements are now happy memories.

As our conversation with Nurul's mother grew deeper, I found that Nurul was the closest to her father whom they lost suddenly to a heart attack. Nurul is loved by her family members, relatives and friends. For Nurul, it must be as tough as it is for her mother, losing her much-loved father and now stricken with a brain tumor. As a single parent, Nurul's mother operates a breakfast stall to make ends meet. Life is tough for this family and MAKNA is presently providing financial assistance to ease the family's burden.

Last Raya, you may have watched TV9's "Kembalikan Syawalku" a collaboration between MAKNA and TV9 featuring her journey of hope.

written by Ilham Firs Cel, 2006