By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Concerned about the plight of little Firas Affan Mohd Fauzi, who is suffering from a cancerous tumor on the right side of his face, the Lions Club (LC) of Perak Silver State stepped forward to assist the family.
The visit by the Lions Club to the home of the one-year-and-two-month-old child was also intended to deliver donations in the form of basic food supplies and cash.
According to the Region 5 Chairperson of Lions Clubs International, Dr. Richard Ng, although the contribution was modest, they hoped it would at least help cheer up the family.
“Friends from the Lions Club also came together to help. It is indeed the club’s responsibility to ease the burden, especially for cancer patients.
“Shared burdens are lighter. If we can spread the word to more friends in the Lions Club, perhaps they too can help.
“I hope Mr. Fauzi and his wife remain patient through this test from God, and I pray that little Firas Affan will recover soon,” he said when met at the child’s home in Bandar Baru Lahat.
About 10 members from the Lions Club and other NGO partners visited the family on Friday.
It is also hoped that the visit would open the eyes and ears of other parties who may be able to help ease the parents’ burden in paying the high medical costs.
“It is hoped that more NGO friends will step forward and provide any form of contribution to help little Firas.
“Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of religion, race, or age. We will discuss extending further assistance to this family in the future according to their needs,” he added.
Previously, Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic reported that Firas Affan is undergoing intensive treatment after being diagnosed with extragonadal germ cell tumor (EGCT) cancer.
The illness was first detected after he experienced pain in his nose, followed by swelling resembling a lump in his right eye.
His father, Mohd Fauzi Saad, 43, said changes to his son’s face were first noticed when Firas’s right eye began to protrude and one side of his face appeared to be pulled.
The youngest of five siblings is currently undergoing six cycles of chemotherapy, with two cycles already completed. The third session is scheduled for December 29.
Meanwhile, Firas Affan’s mother, Anis Azwani Azmi, 29, said the cost of treatment is estimated at around RM1,000 per month, including initial surgery and MRI examinations.
Mohd Fauzi works as a lorry driver and depends on daily wages; if he does not work or has to take leave to manage his child’s medical treatment, there is no income.
“Our child needs to undergo follow-up treatment three times a week at HRPB, which involves additional medical costs if further surgery is required,” she added.
Members of the public who wish to help may contact Mohd Fauzi at 011-11983431 or visit their home at No. 62, Persiaran 10, Bandar Baru Lahat.
