The Story of Nurul Islah, the cancer survivor

Nor Hashimah Sulaiman, a chemistry teacher from SMK Seri Ampangan, Seremban, would do anything to see her fifth child smile again. Even if it means constantly massaging her daughter's face whose facial expression remains unchanged due to cancer. With tears rolling down her cheeks, the mother of six said: "I miss her smile so much. But I'm grateful she is still with us." Nor Hashimah described Nurul Islah Mohd Shah, 11, as a friendly girl who smiled a lot.

Now, after undergoing surgery and treatment for brain cancer (medulloblastoma), she moves around with a walker. A tumour in the central nervous system affects the body's balance and motor functions. Nurul Islah is optimistic about getting well soon. "I cannot wait to get back to school. I miss my friends and teachers."

She will be among cancer survivors participating in the "Survivor's Lap" of Relay for Life KL 2009 on May 30 at the National Sports Council Training Stadium, Bukit Jalil.

Pix by Supian Ahmad/New Straits Times Press (Malaysia)
Text by Halimah Hamid/New Straits Times Press (Malaysia)