" I still remember her face vividly ... she had this cheerful smile despite having only two front teeth and a twinkle in her eyes "

Ros Anita Mustapha
MAKNA Volunteer, 2006, Malaysia

I have in my time gained some volunteering experience, but none has had such an impact on me as MAKNA’s unique assistance programmes. From visiting old folk homes to spending time with orphans, none had quite prepared me for dealing with cancer patients and visiting some of them in their homes with other MAKNA volunteers and staff.

One of MAKNA’s first beneficiaries I had the privilege of meeting was Rosita Mustapa Kamal, a 44-year-old wife and mother who on the surface appeared to coping well with her illness. In retrospect, I must apologise for my ignorance and lack of experience, but I was surprised to find Rosita rather healthy and living a positive life. Prior to meeting her, I had visualised her bedridden and immobile. I did fear meeting a cancer patient but that was diminished the moment I was greeted by Rosita.

Another patient we met, Madam Krishnavani, 41, had a sadder story to tell but still kept up a brave front. Left to fend for herself after her husband had abandoned his family she kept on a constant smile that belied her suffering. Indeed, I was totally amazed by her lively demeanour and positive attitude despite her hardships. She had nary a complaint about taking care of her ailing and hard-of-hearing mother-in-law and two school-going children. I could not help but admire her; she remained grateful she still had a job at a nearby factory, and even expressed an interest to make and sell murukku to supplement her income.

Our next visit was to meet another cancer patient in Semenyih. Though Maslina Ahmad, 38, seemed to be living in better conditions, a nagging cough she had throughout our visit had us worried for her. Fortunately for Maslina, she had the keen support of her family.

While still in Semenyih, we took the opportunity to visit another patient, Hazizah Ismail, 51. I still remember her face vividly; she had a cheerful smile despite having only two front teeth and a twinkle in her eyes.

After Semenyih we headed to Kajang to visit another patient but were told by her family that she had been admitted to Kajang Hospital. At the hospital, I was devastated to see the patient feeling fearful; she repeatedly expressed how she could not cope with the disease. To calm her, a volunteer recited some Quranic verses and everyone encouraged her to have more faith God and her treatment.

Our last visit was to an extremely remote part of Sepang to visit five-year-old Siti Zulaikha Mat Zain. As someone who has a soft spot for children, I could not control my emotions when I met little Siti. Notwithstanding Siti’s ailment, her mother was finding it difficult to cope; she was unable to work because she needed to take care of her daughter, while Siti’s father had abandoned the family.

Visiting these patients forever changed my outlook towards life; I now know we should not take anything we have – like good health and family – for granted. Although I seemed a little quiet during those visits, it was only because I was grappling with some so many different emotions.

However, one thing is for sure – I truly appreciate and feel honoured that I could lend my support in my own small way. I laud MAKNA’s efforts to help each and every patient, especially those who are poor and need various forms of support – even if it means from strangers.

I look forward to returning to MAKNA one day and to doing more then, because MAKNA and the people the organisation cares for will always need and always appreciate whatever any one can do. My sincere thanks to everyone at MAKNA.

Ros Anita Mustapha
Volunteer, Makna Home Visits
Sunday, January 22, 2006