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Ros Anita Mustapha
MAKNA Volunteer, Malaysia
Served MAKNA from 22nd January, 2006
I have in my time gained some volunteering experience, but none has had such an impact on me
as MAKNA’s unique assistance programmes. From visiting old folk homes to spending time with
orphans, none had quite prepared me for dealing with cancer patients and visiting some of
them in their homes with other MAKNA volunteers and staff.
One of MAKNA’s first beneficiaries I had the privilege of meeting was Rosita Mustapa Kamal,
a 44-year-old wife and mother who on the surface appeared to coping well with her illness.
In retrospect, I must apologise for my ignorance and lack of experience, but I was surprised
to find Rosita rather healthy and living a positive life. Prior to meeting her, I had
visualised her bedridden and immobile. I did fear meeting a cancer patient but that was
diminished the moment I was greeted by Rosita.
Another patient we met, Madam Krishnavani, 41, had a sadder story to tell but still kept up a
brave front. Left to fend for herself after her husband had abandoned his family she kept on a
constant smile that belied her suffering. Indeed, I was totally amazed by her lively
demeanour and positive attitude despite her hardships. She had nary a complaint about taking
care of her ailing and hard-of-hearing mother-in-law and two school-going children. I could
not help but admire her; she remained grateful she still had a job at a nearby factory, and
even expressed an interest to make and sell murukku to supplement her income.
Our next visit was to meet another cancer patient in Semenyih. Though Maslina Ahmad, 38,
seemed to be living in better conditions, a nagging cough she had throughout our visit had
us worried for her. Fortunately for Maslina, she had the keen support of her family.
While still in Semenyih, we took the opportunity to visit another patient, Hazizah Ismail, 51.
I still remember her face vividly; she had a cheerful smile despite having only two front
teeth and a twinkle in her eyes.
After Semenyih we headed to Kajang to visit another patient but were told by her family that
she had been admitted to Kajang Hospital. At the hospital, I was devastated to see the patient
feeling fearful; she repeatedly expressed how she could not cope with the disease.
To calm her, a volunteer recited some Quranic verses and everyone encouraged her to have more
faith God and her treatment.
Our last visit was to an extremely remote part of Sepang to visit five-year-old Siti Zulaikha
Mat Zain. As someone who has a soft spot for children, I could not control my emotions when I
met little Siti. Notwithstanding Siti’s ailment, her mother was finding it difficult to
cope; she was unable to work because she needed to take care of her daughter, while Siti’s
father had abandoned the family.
Visiting these patients forever changed my outlook towards life; I now know we should not
take anything we have – like good health and family – for granted. Although I seemed a little
quiet during those visits, it was only because I was grappling with some so many different
emotions.
However, one thing is for sure – I truly appreciate and feel honoured that I could lend my
support in my own small way. I laud MAKNA’s efforts to help each and every patient,
especially those who are poor and need various forms of support – even if it means from
strangers.
I look forward to returning to MAKNA one day and to doing more then, because MAKNA and the
people the organisation cares for will always need and always appreciate whatever any one can
do.
My sincere thanks to everyone at MAKNA.
Ros Anita Mustapha
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