LABIS: While children her age are discovering the world, toddler Alisa Umairah Nur Hisham is navigating life in darkness after losing both her eyes to eye cancer.
Her left eye was removed in May, followed by the right eye in July, as advised by doctors due to the life-threatening nature of her condition.
Her father, Nur Hisham Abd Hamid, 30, a mechanic, shared that 23-month-old Alisa is the youngest of three siblings and was born healthy.
However, she was diagnosed with eye cancer at just one year old, and her condition has now progressed to stage four.
"Alisa used to be a cheerful and active child like any other. One day, we noticed her eyes turning opaque, and she began rubbing them frequently.
"Concerned, my wife and I took Alisa to Segamat Hospital, where she was referred to Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital (HPSF) in Muar for further examination.
"There, she underwent an MRI scan and was diagnosed with eye cancer, after which she was referred to Tunku Azizah Hospital (HTA) in Kuala Lumpur for ongoing treatment," he told Harian Metro.
He said it was hard to accept the decision to remove Alisa's eyes, but he felt it was necessary to prevent her suffering from worsening.
"After discussing it with my wife, we reluctantly agreed, but it was heartbreaking since Alisa is so young and doesn't understand what's happening," he said.
Currently, he and his wife, Siti Salbiah Samsol, 30, take Alisa for follow-up treatments at HTA in Kuala Lumpur as scheduled.
Since Ramadan, Alisa has completed all seven sessions of chemotherapy.
"At the end of last month, we took Alisa to HTA for a check-up, and the doctors informed us that she could get prosthetic eyes, but it will take time.
"For now, Alisa is stable, though she has developed a habit of wanting to sit in the fridge at night, especially when she feels hot.
"I indulge her because it's not something she asks for often," he explained.
Despite the challenges, Nur Hisham is grateful for the support and prayers for Alisa, especially after sharing her story on TikTok.
"My intention in setting up the TikTok account and uploading videos of Alisa was to create memories.
"Thankfully, many people have encouraged us and even contributed financially to help Alisa.
"I am truly grateful; only Allah SWT can repay their kindness. I pray for a miracle for Alisa's recovery," he said, adding that he has sought assistance from government agencies but has yet to receive approval.