Melaka: Sufficient funds have been raised to purchase the special medication needed for treating neuroblastoma (nerve cancer) for 7-year-old Nur Sumayyah. Her father, Azroyhatta Md Jais, 35, expressed gratitude to Malaysians who contributed towards the RM344,844 needed for the medication.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the donations received through Azroyhatta’s bank account reached the required amount last Friday, less than a month after news about his daughter’s condition was shared on social media and in the news. “I am truly thankful for every contribution, even RM1, as each amount is significant for Nur Sumayyah. It feels like a weight has been lifted since we learned we needed to prepare over RM300,000 for the medication,” he told reporters.

The factory technician thanked the Melaka government, particularly Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem and Kesidang assemblyman Allex Seah Shoo Chin, for their assistance in facilitating interactions with various agencies, including the Social Welfare Department and the Melaka Zakat Centre. Their efforts in sharing Nur Sumayyah’s story on social media significantly increased public attention, initiating the donation drive.

Azroyhatta shared that Nur Sumayyah will undergo a special cancer treatment procedure using the medication Qarziba by early September. Additionally, she will start extra chemotherapy sessions from tomorrow at Hospital Tunku Azizah in Kuala Lumpur. He urged Malaysians to keep praying for her health, hoping she can undergo all necessary treatments and recover soon.

“Despite having undergone eight sessions of chemotherapy, Alhamdulillah, Nur Sumayyah’s health remains stable. I know she is very strong, but at times, her emotions are affected, possibly due to the discomfort caused by the side effects of the treatments she has received,” he added.

Nur Sumayyah was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on Oct 28 last year after experiencing recurring nighttime fevers and abdominal pain. She was taken to a clinic and referred to Putra Specialist Hospital for further treatment. An ultrasound examination revealed a large mass in her abdomen, leading to a CT scan and subsequent referral to HTA. Doctors concluded that 90 per cent of the mass was likely neuroblastoma based on her symptoms. She underwent several treatment procedures at HTA, including chemotherapy, and on Feb 19, she underwent surgery to remove the cancer cells.