Single mum urges help to buy special back brace for daughter
Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025
By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Nazihah posing with some of her certificates (Photo Credit: Nor) Kota Kinabalu: A single mother is seeking public help to buy a special back brace for her 17-year-old daughter who has a curved spine and is getting ready for her SPM exams. Nor said her daughter Nazihah has had scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways since 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Back then, it was hard to get proper medical help because of the movement restrictions. 'She always complains about back pain, especially when she wakes up. She cannot stand or sit for long, cannot do heavy work and cannot play sports,' Nor said. Even with her health problems, Nazihah is still a top student studying Science subjects. She has won many awards including a Gold Award at the STEM PBL Carnival 2024 and represented Sabah at the National Science Competition 2024. She also holds important positions in school, including President of the PPIM school body and Head of the Biology Subject Committee. Her spine problem has gotten worse over time. Doctors now say she needs a special back brace instead of surgery to stop her spine from curving more. 'Sometimes she even says it is hard to breathe because her lungs are being squeezed by her curved spine,' Nor said. The back brace costs about RM7,800. This does not include the money needed for weekly treatment and X-rays, making it even more expensive for the family. As a single mother, Nor had to stop her daughter's physiotherapy sessions because she could not afford them after losing her job. 'I can only take her for treatment when I have extra money. If not, she does simple exercises at home to help with the pain,' Nor said. With SPM exams coming up soon, an important test that will decide if she can go to university, there is no time to waste. Her health problems do not just cause pain but could also affect how well she does in her exams during this important time. 'Even if we could get just a few thousand Ringgit, I would be so grateful. I hope there are kind people willing to help my daughter, especially since she is preparing for her SPM exams,' Nor said. She said doctors cautioned that if treatment is delayed, her daughter's spine could curve even more, cause more pain and lead to problems including breathing difficulties. Nor is appealing to the public for donations to help buy the essential medical equipment for her daughter. 'I really hope there are kind and generous people who would help lighten our burden by donating money to buying a scoliosis brace for my daughter. This help would mean so much to us, especially for her health and future. 'I pray that everyone who helps us will be blessed with good health, plenty of food and God's protection,' Nor said. Those wishing to contribute can make donations directly to Nor's Maybank account (Account Number: 1600 185 848 51, Account Holder: Dayangku Nor Laila Bt Pg Ahmad Tajuddin). * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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