Help 2-year-old Givan in his fight against leukaemia

KUALA LUMPUR: At his age, he should be learning new words, playing with toys and exploring the world around him. But two-year-old Givan Noah Veepiandeejoe is instead fighting one of the toughest battles imaginable.

The toddler has been diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a form of blood cancer that has turned his family’s life upside down.

It all began when his parents, who are based in Keningau, Sabah, noticed a lump on his neck. Following recurring fevers, they took him to hospital, believing it was a routine childhood illness.

Doctors ordered further blood tests and a bone marrow examination. After days of anxious waiting, the family received the devastating news that Givan had leukaemia.

He is now undergoing chemotherapy and requires long-term medical treatment. Recovery is possible, but doctors warn that the risk of relapse remains high, meaning he must continue receiving close medical supervision and ongoing care.

Speaking through tears, Givan’s mother recalled struggling to come to terms with the news.

“I couldn’t accept it at first,” she said. “I kept asking myself, ‘Why did this happen to my child? Why us?'”

“I felt so lost and once even thought of giving up on life because I couldn’t accept his illness,” she admitted. “But then I realised that if I gave up, who would take care of my child?”

It was a painful turning point that strengthened her resolve to stay strong despite the uncertainty ahead.

To protect Givan from infections during treatment, the family has had to make some drastic changes. They refrain from going out and, when they do, crowded places are avoided. Visits with friends and relatives are rare.

“We never see anyone,” his mother added tearfully.

Financially, the family is facing an uphill struggle. Givan’s father works as a small-scale farmer and earns about RM500 a month, sometimes less depending on circumstances. His mother is unable to work as she cares for her son full time.

Their limited income is insufficient to cover the growing costs associated with Givan’s treatment and daily needs.

Thankfully, the family now has the support of welfare NGO Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda, which has stepped in to help raise the funds required.

The organisation is seeking RM13,200 to help cover medical-related expenses, transport to and from hospital appointments, special milk formula, diapers, rental, food and other necessities during Givan’s chemotherapy treatment.

Fundraising began last Friday (June 12). As of Sunday, RM982 had been collected.

For many families, RM10, RM50 or RM100 may seem like a small contribution. But for Givan and his parents, every donation represents hope, relief and the reassurance that they do not have to face this difficult journey alone.

Kindly send your contribution to Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) account 0219 0411 0012 2711 (Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda). Please use the reference ‘CASE 46’.

For verification and receipt, send your transaction slip to Jeanna Goh at 016-337 2749 or email [email protected].

Find out more about Persatuan Kebajikan VCare Kuala Muda here.