Disabled boy's wish to reunite with doctor fulfilled

Zahrel (in wheelchair) meeting Dr Muhamad Faizal (crouching). The boy is with his parents (from left) Zainin Sanir, Lidiah and his brother Zahrin to meet the doctor at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

WISHES can come true if you believe strongly enough in them.

A 13-year-old boy who became disabled after a brain surgery longed to see the physician who played a major role in his recovery process four years ago.

Make-A-Wish Malaysia took the opportunity to reunite Zahrel Zaqwan Zainin from Sabah with Dr Muhamad Faizal Zainudin who is now based in Kuala Lumpur.

They met at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak and enjoyed the experience of making pewter using traditional tools during a guided tour there.

Zahrel was a happy, active pupil until he was diagnosed with left frontal brain abscess in January 2020.

After his surgery, he went into a coma for seven months but eventually gained consciousness.

He was not able to walk, neither could he see or talk.

Dr Muhamad Fazizal became his pillar of support during that difficult period.

Make-A-Wish Malaysia chairman Datin Linda Ngiam said Zahrel was extra special compared to other children as instead of asking for the usual stuff, he wanted to just meet Dr Muhammad Faizal.

Ngiam was touched by the request and so was the doctor when he was contacted for the reunion.

“Zahrel’s wish is a heartwarming one and I wanted to be involved personally. His mother is an amazing person too as she carries him on her back before she can put him on his wheelchair,” said Ngiam.

“While the doctor helped to motivate Zahrel during his rehabilitation treatment, his mother supported him diligently.

“This reunion is more than a gift, it is an experience for Zahrel to remember too,” she added.

Zahrel had a big smile when the van he was commuting in stopped at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre where he was greeted by Dr Muhamad Faizal.

The boy is with his parents (from left) Zainin Sanir, Lidiah and his brother Zahrin to meet the doctor at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The doctor first met Zahrel when the latter was undergoing treatment at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah back in 2020.

Zahrel later moved to Kota Marudu, Sabah and Dr Muhamad travelled to visit him and they fostered a good relationship.

“I had a team of nurses and therapists who were part of Zahrel’s recovery process. He is a special boy. He is a very sweet person and obedient too.

“I have been in contact with his family over his progress. He has managed to complete his primary education and he is now learning Braille.

‘‘I want him to master Braille as he can’t see and speak. It will be important for him to be ready for adulthood and with the right support system, he can progress well.

“I feel his mother is a great force behind his recovery. She gives 100% in ensuring he follows the recovery therapy process.

“We trained her and she does the therapy with him at home. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she would send us videos on the therapy sessions she conducted at home,” he said.

Dr Muhamad Faizal, who is now a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) said he was elated to meet Zahrel and wanted the best for his future.

Zahrel’s mother Lidiah Abd Rahman said her son developed a good bond with the doctor since he was the first person he communicated with when he woke up from coma.

Zahrel’s wish was adopted by the late Tan Thiam Hock and his family and corporate partners Malaysia Airlines, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur managed by Banyan Tree and Royal Selangor.