Welcome to MAKNA {A Meaning to Life}

“...I really hope that this family has a strong heart and will be able to face this challenge...”

Tan Qiao Feng
2 years old

Tan Qiao Feng is a two-year old child who lives in Rompin, Pahang with her family. She is one from the thousands in Malaysia who is diagnosed with cancer. Qiao Feng has been suffering from Acute Lymphoma Leukemia since the mid of 2006. It is very sad to know that a two-year old who is just starting life, who knows nothing, is afflicted with cancer. It is true what people say that sometimes we can't predict what will happen to us in this world. But our fate is determined by God and we as human beings have to be prepared for life's challenges.

As a practical student with MAKNA, this is one of my first home visits. I was accompanied by MAKNA staff. It took us two hours to reach Qiao Feng's house from Bandar Muadzam Shah. The house is located far from the town. When we finally arrived, the family was waiting for us and they welcomed us happily. This was a chance to know the family better. During the course of conversation, we were informed that her father worked as a fisherman. Currently Qiao Feng's father has not been working for the past 7 months as he wants to give extra attention to his sickly child. He accompanies her for her monthly medical checkups. I take my hats off to her father who has sacrificed his work just to care for his child. I pray that there are many more fathers like this. We noticed her grandmother sitting in a corner and she looked quite ill too. We extended our deepest sympathies to them for what they are going through. Deep inside, I really hope that this family has a strong heart and will be able to face this challenge.

Owing to such financial constraint, her father is unable to take Qiao Feng to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre for her regular treatments. Qiao Feng is supported via the MAKNA Bursary Programme, where the family receives some financial assistance from MAKNA. This financial support will enable Qiao Feng's father to bring Qiao Feng for regular medical checks and treatment.

written by Ilham Firs Cel, 2006