Best surprise ever: Atikah (centre) with her friends at her surprise birthday bash.
KOTA KINABALU: Ten-year-old Atikah Lim has never cried despite the pain that comes with fighting cancer. However, on Saturday, the girl cried and hugged her father when she walked into a beautifully decorated hotel ballroom for her surprise birthday bash.
The celebration was prepared by PETRONAS in conjunction with its 50th anniversary, during which the oil and gas company aims to make 50 wishes come true.
Mohd Khairi Lim Salim, 42, said that having a birthday party in a grand setting by the beach had always been his daughter’s dream.
He said he and his wife were not be able to give Atikah such a grand party.
He added that he is only an auxiliary policeman while his spouse is a homemaker.
“Today, Atikah was so happy when she walked into this hall, with the birthday song playing and seeing her friends and teachers all the way from Ranau.
“Thank you, PETRONAS,” said the father of five.
Atikah, who is the eldest of five siblings, was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer last November, and since starting her chemotherapy treatment, her hair has gradually fallen off.
Dressed in a simple blouse and black pants, the girl was seen enjoying the games and food with her friends, while being serenaded by local artiste Ryenald Guntabid.
She also received video messages from her favourite local singer Elica Paujin and artiste Fazura wishing her an amazing birthday.
Mohd Khairi admitted that he fell into the deep end when they found out about Atikah’s cancer.
“It took about three weeks to pick myself up so that I can be the strong one to take care of my daughter.
“As she is our firstborn, she was the first to teach us about parenting and our first experience as parents,” he said.
The couple’s only wish is for Atikah to recover and for her to live her life as best as she can with what they can provide in terms of love and care.
Mohd Khairi also took a moment to thank all the medical officials, teachers, friends and relatives who had helped his family throughout this ordeal, especially a younger sister who is caring for Atikah in Kota Kinabalu.
“Atikah is already a young lady so she does not feel comfortable if I were to bathe her and all.
“So, my sister helps out when Atikah and I are here for treatment because my wife and other children are back in Ranau,” he said.
