KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Khairurashid Yaakob, 35, continues to mourn the loss of his beloved daughter, Anggun Nadhwa, who tragically died on Feb 17.
Anggun, who succumbed to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a rare form of brain cancer, was only four years old, leaving her family devastated.
"It is not that I can't accept it, but until today, I still remember because I miss her too much," he said.
He and his wife, Nurul Fatiha Mohamad Jidin, 34, feel the immense void left by their eldest daughter, who was born healthy and active.
Khairurashid, who resides in Pandan Indah, Ampang, recalled noticing a change when Anggun turned two.
Her eyes were crossed, initially thought to be a lazy eye.
A subsequent MRI scan revealed a tumour the size of a 50 sen coin on her brainstem, leading to the devastating diagnosis on Sept 29, 2022.
Khairurashid described the overwhelming sadness upon hearing the news.
"I was beyond words with sadness upon hearing it, but whether I liked it or not, I had to take Anggun to the hospital for further treatment because that was the only way forward."
Despite the heartbreak, his wife showed remarkable strength, perhaps due to her sensitivity regarding Anggun, especially since they had waited four years for her arrival.
The doctors informed them that Anggun had only six months to live.
Despite the grim prognosis, they proceeded with radiotherapy, which temporarily shrunk the tumour.
Anggun's eyes returned to normal, she could walk, and her appetite improved. However, on Aug 31, her condition worsened while visiting their kampung.
An MRI at Hospital Kuala Lumpur revealed the cancer has recurred, and Anggun's condition remained unstable.
From Sept 1, Anggun was frequently hospitalised.
Unable to eat, she relied on a feeding tube and was placed under palliative care.
"Considering her young age, Anggun did not understand her illness, but during her moments of being awake, I could see her distressed and perhaps wondering about her situation," Khairurashid said.
He added that Anggun often acted up because she wanted both him and his wife by her side in the hospital.
Despite the profound sadness, Khairurashid cherishes the memories of Anggun's brief but impactful life, forever holding her in his heart.