15-06-2025
A father's love: Man stands by daughter battling brain tumour
JITRA: While many fathers were celebrated with gifts and warm wishes yesterday, Mohd Shahrizal Zainuddin spent Father's Day by the side of his two-year-old daughter, Nur Naaila Shaheen, who is battling a life-threatening brain tumour.
The 33-year-old said his world was turned upside down last month when doctors confirmed that his youngest child was suffering from a tumour at the base of her brain, which had caused her head to swell due to fluid buildup.
"As a father, I'm doing everything I can for my daughter. My wife and I take turns taking leave from work just to care for her around the clock," he said when met by Harian Metro at their home in Kampung Telok Malek.
Naaila was first taken to Klinik Desa Telok Malek after she repeatedly struggled with her balance. The case was later referred to the Jitra Health Clinic, which subsequently directed the couple to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Star for further tests.
"At HSB, the specialists conducted a CT scan and other examinations. That was when they found fluid in her brain," said Shahrizal.
Doctors later confirmed that Naaila was suffering from posterior fossa tumour with hydrocephalus, a type of brain tumour located near the base of the skull.
The condition caused a buildup of fluid in her brain, leading to swelling, muscle spasms, trembling hands, impaired vision, and loss of motor functions.
Part of the fluid was drained during a procedure at HSB on May 19. However, doctors have informed the family that she will require surgery to remove the tumour this coming August.
Shahrizal, who takes on odd jobs such as driving a padi harvester, said his income is irregular. His wife, Nur Najwa Mohd Azlan, 29, is a full-time homemaker.
"Since she fell ill, we've been making regular trips to the hospital for her check-ups and physiotherapy. Travelling alone eats into much of our limited finances," he said.
The couple also has a nine-year-old son, Sharif Najmi, who is still in school.
In conjunction with Father's Day, Cancer Survivors Malaysia (CSM) visited the family to recognise Shahrizal's unwavering dedication.
CSM chairperson Zuraini Kamal said the group presented the family with financial aid and basic necessities to help ease their burden.
"We will also be providing them with a larger stroller to make it easier for them to bring Nur Naaila for her treatments," she said.
