Welcome to MAKNA {A Meaning to Life}

Though they are perfectly aware that Danial does not have much time, they look very calm and willing to accept the faith...

Muhammad Danial bin Amli
6 years old

Danial is involved in most of MAKNA’s activities. He recently participated in the Tagging Day of the Charity Duck Race in ATMA and also the launching ceremony of SSL in Putrajaya.

Based on my first official visit to his grandfather’s home in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, I could see that his grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins his age, and everyone else around loves him. They pay extra attention to him.

Regardless of his illness, Danial is an active and cheerful kid but he’s a bit sensitive at times. When he is moody, he remains silent, not saying a word. He only cries if the pain hurts too much, especially the pain in his chest and stomach. Surprisingly, this child motivates himself together with the guidance of his parents. I was amazed when Danial actually spoke about himself while holding his chest (perhaps due to the pain) and said…”Abang boleh… abang mesti kuat….” (Referring to himself as ‘Abang’)

Lately, Danial has been complaining about the pain in his stomach. He has lost his appetite and the only thing he wants to have is chicken nugget and fish soup. He vomits frequently too.

The doctors have recently informed not so good news to his parents. The treatment given to Danial is no longer helping him. After two sessions of high dose chemotherapy, the doctors and his parents have agreed to stop the treatment. Danial is now on palliative treatment to ease his pain.

His parents have been very supportive of Danial, the eldest of two siblings. Though they are perfectly aware that Danial does not have much time (at least that’s what his doctors say), they look very calm and willing to accept the faith.

Due to his illness, Danial has not been able to complete his kindergarten. But the teachers in his school have been very kind and supportive and invited him to be with his friends for the graduation day. He refused to go for an unknown reason, says his father. But after some time, he finally agreed. He said he preferred to be with his friends in the hospital rather than those at his school. And against the odds, Danial graduated on the 26th of November 2005.

Who knows? One day…some day… this child, who wants to be a soldier and adores Mawi so much, may just have his dream come true…. Insya Allah.

written by Nurina Meor Khairudin, 2006