Welcome to MAKNA {A Meaning to Life}

“...I smiled and told him, "You are a strong man. You walk and work hard. Therefore you should recuperate fast." He nodded his head, at the same time smiling....”

Ando B. Sundalun
53 years old

Beaufort or "Bofot" as it is known locally, is a small town in Sabah. The purpose of my visit was to drop by on a cancer patient named Ando B. Sundalun. We had a tough time locating his house. We arrived at the village called Kampung Montenior and was told that Ando's house is located on top of a hill and not accessible to any vehicle. So we had to take a long walk uphill and coincidently we met with one of Ando's children who guided us to their house. As we continue our journey, we encountered more challenges. We walked through jungles and also crossed a river. It reminded me of our jungle trekking experience during our training in Pulau Pangkor. It certainly proved useful. Finally, we arrived at Ando's house.

We were received with smiles by Ando's family but they wondered who we were. We introduced ourselves and proceeded our interview with Ando. During the interview, I could see a close-knit family full of love despite the fact that a member of their family is suffering from cancer. Ando is a rubber tapper whose income is uncertain. He has seven children. Three of them are working, earning less than RM300, one of whom is a rubber tapper like Ando. Four of his other children are in school but one who is supposed to be sitting for his Higher School Certificate had to leave school owing to financial constraints. Ando had to live with that fact, but hoped that he would recuperate as soon as possible to continue his work. Although Ando is 53 years old, he looks cheery and full of strength. He told us about the operation he was about to undergo which was to reinsert his colon so that he would no longer need a colostomy bag. I smiled and told him, "You are a strong man. You walk and work hard. Therefore you should recuperate fast." He nodded his head, at the same time smiling.

Ando is very grateful for the financial assistance he received from MAKNA. With this small contribution Ando is able to pay for his fare to the hospital for his treatments. Before leaving, I wished him well and hoped that all will turn out as he wished. Of my trip back? Now it did not seem such a challenge after all. I just imagined the hardship Ando has to endure each time he makes the trip to the hospital in this condition. Now, that's the greatest challenge.

written by Shaz, 2007