Kota Kinabalu: A 10-year-old girl suffering from ovarian cancer was filled with tears of joy after being surprised with one of her wishes – to have a beach birthday party.
Nur Atikah Lim was left speechless but here eyes filled with joy as everyone stood to sing and wish her happy birthday as a sign of continuous support as well as boosting her fighting spirit against the disease.
Sharing how the news turn sideways in mere moments, her father Mohd Khairi Lim Salim shared that Atikah has always been living an ordinary life when she started experiencing stomach pains which eventually led to a growth in her abdominal area.
Khairi said her situation got worse as it affected her breathing in which they had to rush her to hospital.
“After receiving her diagnosis, I was devastated. I had to gather my strength after three weeks. She is my first child; she is the one who taught me how to be a father,” he said while holding back tears.
The 42-year-old auxiliary policeman from Kampung Lingkudou, Ranau, said her daughter has completed her chemotherapy treatment and now undergoing weekly blood test before her surgery.
With a growth occurring on her right ovary, he hopes that the surgery will go well.
“I am hopeful that she will recover as I have not had enough time with her,” he said. Khairi who is married to Asilah Lausip have five children.
Atikah, is a student of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Pei Wan, Ranau.
During the surprise celebration, Atikah received a surprise not just from close family members but also from her friends and teachers who have given her continuous support.
Despite the rain, Atikah had her heart lit as the celebration went well with various activities, including special appearance by her favourite artistes, Sabahan singer Elica Paujin and national singer Nur Fazura (through video recordings).
Khairi also expressed his gratitude toward those involved in the birthday celebration, especially Petronas who organised the event.
“We are truly grateful to Petronas. It would have been hard for us (husband and wife) to organise it ourselves,” he said.
Atikah’s birthday bash was part of Petronas’ 50 Years Festive Dream campaign where the company seeks to fulfil 50 dreams nationwide during the festive seasons throughout the year.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Petronas lined up various programmes by fulfilling dreams of chosen individuals nationwide aimed at bringing about memorable hopes and moments on the lives of beneficiaries.
