KOTA KINABALU: Atikah Lim has never cried despite pain, discomfort and suffering over the last three months since the 1o-year-old was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer.
However, the eldest among five siblings shed tears of joy and hugged her father tightly on Saturday (Feb 3) as she was overwhelmed with joy as she walked into a beautifully decorated hotel ballroom for her surprise birthday bash.
Welcoming her birthday in a grand setting by the beach has always been her dream, said father Mohd Khairi Lim Salim, 42.
He said if it were up to him and his wife, they might not be able to give her such a grand party as he is an auxiliary policeman while his wife is a homemaker.
“Today, she was so happy when she walked into this hall, with the birthday song playing and seeing her friends and teachers all the way from Ranau. Thank you, PETRONAS,” said Mohd Khairi.
Atikah was dressed in a simple white blouse and black pants and enjoyed games and food as she had a great time with her friends while local artiste Ryenald Guntabid serenaded the crowd.
She also received a video message from her favourite local singer Elica Paujin and Malaysian artiste Fazura (Nur Fazura Sharifuddin), wishing her an amazing birthday.
Mohd Khairi said Atikah was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in November 2023, and she had quickly started chemotherapy treatment that saw her hair gradually falling off.
Her symptoms progressed quite fast, with her having stomach pains and sudden bloating of her abdomen in just a matter of weeks, he said.
That was when they were told that Atikah had cancer.
“I fell off the deep end when I heard the news and took about three weeks to pick myself up so that I can be the strong one to take care of my daughter,” said Mohd Khairi.
He said Atikah was their firstborn, the first one to teach them about parenting and their first experience being parents.
“Of course we were devastated. We have not had enough time with her yet,” he said.
He added that their only wish is for Atikah to recover, and for her to live her life as best as she can with what they can provide in terms of love and care as parents.
Mohd Khairi took a moment to also thank all medical staff members, teachers, friends and relatives who have helped his family throughout this ordeal, and gave a special thanks to his younger sister who took care of Atikah when she came to Kota Kinabalu for treatment.
“Atikah is already a young lady so she does not feel comfortable if I were to bathe her and all, so my sister helps out because my wife and other children are back in Ranau while Atikah and I come here for her treatment,” he said.
This birthday bash was prepared by PETRONAS in conjunction with its 50th anniversary, where the oil and gas company aims to make 50 wishes come true.
