GEORGE TOWN: For blind busker Robert Maidin, music is more than a passion – it is helping him raise money for his wife’s cancer treatment.
The 55-year-old was born blind with congenital cataracts and later gained partial vision after eye surgeries as a child.
Robert recently became a local hit after he was seen strumming his guitar while displaying a cardboard note explaining that he was raising money for his wife’s treatment.
His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and the disease has since spread to her lungs, resulting in a stage four diagnosis.
“She has to undergo 20 rounds of chemotherapy and has now completed 10 of them.
“We managed financially before her diagnosis as she works as a teacher in Sabah and I make money busking, but now things are tight.
“We are always thinking about where the money will come from for her next treatment,” Robert said.
The father of four said while his wife’s chemotherapy is covered by the government, the family still has to pay for certain medications.
“These medications can cost up to RM9,000 per session.
“Our eldest daughter has just started working as a nurse, while our younger three daughters are still studying,” he said.
Moved by Robert’s determination, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim organised a fundraising concert, “Robert Strums for Love”, yesterday.
Robert busks near markets every morning and along Persiaran Gurney every evening.
