By Aida Aziz
Credit photo: Bernama & Social Media
IPOH: His smile never fades, even after a long battle against three types of cancer since 2024.
But behind that smile, Nassry Mardee Ismail, 45 — fondly known as Cikgu E — has not given up. Instead, he is determined to continue every treatment needed for the sake of his family.
On his social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, the former teacher — once active in sports — often shares inspirational stories, including his ongoing fight against cancer.
He has been battling kidney cancer, gland cancer, and lung cancer since March last year.
A total of RM200,000 is still needed to cover the cost of double immunotherapy treatment, which is estimated to exceed RM500,000.
This is because his current takaful insurance coverage of RM300,000 is insufficient.
Doctors have also informed him that only 30 percent of his airways remain functional, which could become completely blocked soon.
“I accept whatever may come. I just want to keep breathing,” he said.
On social media, Nassry has also shared how both his mother and brother suffered from kidney cancer.
“When I found out about my diagnosis, I thought of my beloved mother, who passed away from kidney cancer.
“I had a brother who was an incredible person, and he too died from the same disease.
“I saw them both when they passed — they looked as if they were smiling, happy to meet god. So when it happened to me, I told myself, why should I be sad? It’s better to accept this test with peace, so I too can smile when my time comes,” he said in a video posted on social media.
The father of five expressed deep gratitude for his wife, Azlina Mohd Ali, 45, who is also a teacher and continues to support him in this battle.
He also uses his wife’s Government Guarantee (GL) benefits to help cover the cost of cancer medication at a government hospital.
The double immunotherapy treatment he must undergo now costs RM29,424 every three weeks and requires 17 sessions.
Those who wish to contribute can do so via Maybank account 558220621223 (Nassry Mardee Ismail).
