Parents Appeal For Help After 19-Month-Old Daughter Diagnosed With Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer
The toddler recently underwent surgery to remove a 13.5cm tumour.
Daneen Auni Riksi, a 19-month-old girl in Sabah, has been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer and her parents are appealing to the public for financial help
Daneen is currently receiving treatment at the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital (HWKKS) in Kota Kinabalu, where she is set to begin chemotherapy soon.
In an interview with Sinar Daily, Daneen's mother, Fallarystia Sintom, 25, said she was shocked and sad to learn of her daughter's diagnosis at such a young age.
"When I was informed, I was heartbroken because my child is still so young and has already had her right ovary removed," she told the Malay daily.
Image via New Straits Times
The mother said she never expected it to be cancer when her child first began experiencing abdominal bloating and constipation in August
"My child was uncomfortable, and since she couldn't speak yet, she only cried when she was in pain.
"She also became less active than before and only wanted to be carried," said Fallarystia.
She added that she and her husband, Riksi Tahir, 25, first took Daneen to the Kota Marudu district hospital for treatment, but her condition could not be diagnosed there.
"Then, one day, her blood count dropped dramatically, leading to her referral to HWKKS on 28 September, where a growth and bleeding were finally detected," said the mother.
Image via Sinar Daily
The toddler finally underwent surgery to remove a 13.5cm tumour in her right ovary last Wednesday, 2 October, which was when the doctors confirmed it was ovarian cancer
"For now, my child is in the recovery phase after the surgery to remove the tumour. After that, she can begin chemotherapy," said the mother.
Besides the mounting medical expenses, Fallarystia said she and her husband are also facing difficulties travelling between the hospital in Likas and their home in Kota Marudu, which is about a two-and-a-half hour car journey one-way.
According to the New Straits Times, the couple also have a four-year-old son with autism.
Riksi, who is an auxiliary fire officer at the Kudat Fire and Rescue Department, said the hospital has yet to confirm the cost of the treatment, but public donations will help ease their financial burdens.
According to Sinar Daily, donations can be made to Riksi's Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) account 1200241000113103, or individuals can contact him at +6010-7644532 or Fallarystia at +6010-2608905.
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