“STAY strong, keep up the fight and never give up.”
It sounds like the mantra of a weary adult, but these words came from 13-year-old Dhia Batrisya Abdul Halim.
Her bubbly disposition hides a gruelling battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia – a fight she is finally winning.
Now in remission after intensive chemotherapy at Penang Hospital, the teenager from Pendang, Kedah, is eager to reclaim her life.
“I can’t wait to go back to school. I hope to be a doctor someday to help other children, just like my doctor helped me.”
Dhia was one of two young warriors who attended a special World Cancer Day lunch hosted by Shangri-La Rasa Sayang in Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
Joining her was five-year-old Nur Amna Nadhira, who has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia since she was 18 months old.
For their families, the journey from Kedah to Penang for treatment has been an exhausting cycle of emotional and financial strain.
Nur Amna’s father, Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad Bakri, a factory storekeeper, urged other parents to persevere and trust medical science.
“Listen to medical advice and get the appropriate treatment,” he said, adding that he appreciates all the support and prayers of well-wishers.
Similarly, Dhia’s father, Abdul Halim Abdul Rahim even shuttered his fried chicken business to focus on his daughter’s recovery.
As the families enjoyed the meal, Abdul Halim joked that his daughter loved the resort’s food even more than his fried chicken.
The resort presented five beneficiaries with RM3,333 each and food hampers.
The funds were raised during its “Golden Ribbon of Hope” campaign in late 2025.
While some children could not attend, the lunch served as a poignant tribute to all five –including R. Gathirravan, five, who tragically passed away late last year.
Resort general manager Jegan Selvarajan said the initiative reflected a community coming together with shared purpose.
“We were deeply moved by the generosity of our guests and partners to bring comfort to those who need it most.
“We are pleased to contribute to this meaningful cause and stand alongside these five incredibly brave children and their families,” he said.
