KUALA LUMPUR: Actress Anzalna Nasir, 35, has started a fundraiser for a boy, 4, who has a rare disease called high-grade glioma.
A high-grade glioma is a type of tumour formed in the brain or spinal cord through the abnormal growth of glial cells.
Anzalna said she had known Mas Muhammad Luth since he was a baby as his mother, Hazirah, was her friend.
"When you see how the disease can suddenly change an otherwise cheerful preschooler, it really tugs at your heartstrings, especially when it is a rare disease.
"He's about my son's age, so it's really sad to see his condition, and that has moved me to raise funds for his treatment."
She added that only 10 per cent of those with the disease would survive without treatment, and that their health could deteriorate within a year after being diagnosed.
Since his diagnosis in January, Luth had undergone a procedure to remove the tumour.
"He also went for a follow-up treatment, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, a recent MRI test showed less than encouraging results."
She added that Luth was getting weaker and he needed to be treated by specialists in the United Kingdom as soon as possible.
"His mother (a single mother) has withdrawn all her savings.
"So this is why I've started this crowdfund to help the family."