Welcome to MAKNA {A Meaning to Life}

A Woman With True Courage and Grit - Puan Zaini

During my internship at MAKNA I got the opportunity to accompany two Home Visit Team members to house calls in the Selangor area. It was an opportunity to witness the daily struggles and sufferings of cancer patients personally, and how MAKNA plays a role both emotionally and financially to encourage them to carry on living normal lives.

Of all the patients we visited that day, the story of one brave lady, Puan Zaini, who was recovering from breast cancer captured me the most. Finding Zaini‘s house was a bit of an adventure. However, after asking for directions and calling Zaini, we finally made it after several wrong turnings. Situated next to a LRT line in an isolated corner of Selangor, the old apartment block looked like it had seen better days. The compound and entrance was reminiscent of a ‘kampung’ atmosphere with chickens running around. Soon we were greeted by a smiling Pn. Zaini, who was patiently waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs that led up to her apartment. I was immediately struck by her cheerful disposition, despite the daily adversity she faced.

Puan Zaini with Huw Hunt, MAKNA Intern Student

We climbed all the way up to Zaini’s apartment, located at the top floor of her block as they didn’t have an elevator. We met two of her younger children, aged 7 and 5, who were quite shy, peeking out from a room while we spoke with their mother. A proud Pn. Zaini told us her school-age children have good school performance records. In fact, her eldest daughter is doing so well in her studies; she now attends a school for high achievers located quite a distance from the family home. Pn Zaini and her husband were determined to provide their daughter with the best education.

Zaini’s story began when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and was forced to undergo a mastectomy of one of her breasts. Unfortunately, a year later it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her other breast. Doctors decided to remove the other breast too to prevent the cancer spreading to the rest of her body. Now that she is cancer-free for over a year Zaini is determined to assist in creating awareness on early detection of breast cancer.

Always full of zest and energy, despite her illness, Zaini managed to keep her house clean, spick and span. With the support of her husband, who works in a hospital, Zaini’s determination in moving on with her life continued as normal. She carried out her daily duties like cooking, cleaning and doting on her family and children, as any wife and mother would. Not one to give up hope she continues the battle with cancer, and refuses to give in to the despair other cancer patients would have easily.

During our visit, Zaini showed us a video recording of her journey in battling cancer and her recovery. There she conveys her sincere appreciation for all the help and support extended by MAKNA adding that she would not have had the strength to go through difficult times if MAKNA was not there for her. Hence, kind donors like you have indeed made a big difference in someone’s life. It also keeps MAKNA’s tireless home visit team highly motivated with their relentless work, despite the difficulties they sometimes encounter.

Puan Zaini with MAKNA Officers, Syamsyul and Amril

By Huw Hunt
MAKNA Intern Student, Flinders University, Australia, 15 Dec 2008 – 20 Feb 2009.