PETALING JAYA: The future of a 19-month-old girl in Sabah looked grim after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but Malaysians have come together to raise RM30,000 for the toddler.
Malay daily Sinar Harian reported that the baby began suffering from constipation and a bloated stomach in August, according to Daneen Auni Riksi's mother Fallarystia Sintom.
"She became less active and frequently wanted to be carried whenever she cried in pain as she couldn't speak yet.
"We originally brought her to the hospital but doctors could not diagnose her illness.
"After a sudden dip in her blood readings, she was referred to the Sabah Women and Children Hospital where they found a 13.5cm tumour," Fallarystia said.
She said the doctor then diagnosed Daneen with stage three ovarian cancer, which required immediate surgery.
Fallarystia said Daneen has since undergone a successful surgery to remove the tumour but still needs to undergo expensive chemotherapy treatment.
Initially distraught at the cost of the treatment, Fallarystia and her husband Riksi Tahir now have renewed hope after Malaysians banded together to donate over RM30,000.
"Some have been channelling funds to us since news of Daneen was first reported and many are still messaging us.
"Although we do not have an estimate how much chemotherapy will cost, the doctor suggested that we collect the funds first as it can reach the thousands, including long-term needs," Fallarystia told Sinar Harian on Thursday (Oct 10).
Fallarystia added that Daneen's chemotherapy treatment had just concluded but her baby remained under observation to ensure the treatment is successful.
