MELAKA: They say love conquers all – and this adage has been touchingly demonstrated by the bond between Andrea Adrianna Law Abdullah and Alfian Rizal here.
Andrea, 31, converted to Islam and yesterday married Alfian, 31 – in spite of him suffering from stage four cancer.
The couple was pronounced husband and wife after their akad nikah (solemnisation of marriage) ceremony in front of Melaka Islamic Council Marriages, Divorces and Rujuk chief registrar Mohd Shokri Mustaffa.
Andrea said she is utterly sincere in marrying Alfian, who is her best friend, despite his stage four colon and liver cancer diagnosis in March.
“I am sure he is the best match for me,” she said when met after the solemnisation ceremony.
The couple first met 12 years ago when they were studying at the Multimedia University here.
Sharing how Alfian was diagnosed with his dire illness, Sarawak-born Andrea, who embraced Islam last year, said it all happened in 2015.
“He often complained of fatigue, and later was admitted to a private hospital for 10 days due to blood loss. However, at that time, the doctor had yet to determine the cause.
“Last year, Alfian was admitted to hospital again, and the doctor still could not find the cause.
“Early this year, he started developing jaundice symptoms and was referred to the Selayang Hospital. Only then (were we told he has stage four cancer),” she said.
Alfian, the only child of Rizal Abdullah, 61 and Aisah Selamat, 57, said Andrea has always been by his side.
“She has always been by my side, even during difficult times. I am touched that she is willing to accept me even in my condition now.
“Alhamdulillah (thank God), my prayer for her to marry me was answered.
“InsyaAllah (God willing), we will soon be leaving for Guangzhou, China to undergo chemotherapy treatment.
“I hope that my condition will improve,” Alfian added.