11-year-old girl battles leukemia, family faces financial strain

Nur Arissa Mohd. Sabri, once a bright and academically successful 11-year-old, now faces a daily struggle against leukemia. Her body weakens, and tears have become a constant companion as she navigates hospital treatments instead of attending school. The diagnosis came suddenly on May 18th after she complained of stomach pain and appeared pale.

Her father, Mohd. Sabri Mohd. Rafdzi, a 46-year-old lorry driver, recounted how initial tests at a private clinic led to a referral to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital. Nur Arissa was subsequently transferred to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu for specialist care. Doctors have classified her as high-risk, with 17% cancer cells remaining after a bone marrow test, necessitating aggressive treatment including chemotherapy and regular bone marrow aspiration procedures.

Nur Arissa has already undergone two bone marrow aspiration procedures, with a third scheduled. Each chemotherapy session leaves her extremely weak, causing vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. Treatment delays occur if her blood counts are not satisfactory. Doctors estimate the entire treatment course will last up to two years. A significant challenge looms as her younger sibling might be a bone marrow donor, pending genetic compatibility tests in September. The parents face the difficult decision of potentially asking their younger child to undergo the procedure if a match is found.

Mohd. Sabri's wife, Hasma Husain, stays with Nur Arissa at the hospital, while he cares for their other child in Kuantan. His income as a trip-based lorry driver has been significantly impacted by frequent leave and weekly travel costs to Kuala Terengganu, which amount to approximately RM300 per trip. Although treatment costs are covered by the school, daily expenses remain high. Nur Arissa's specific dietary needs mean the family must purchase suitable food outside the hospital, as she needs to maintain her intake.