“I never imagined that both acute and chronic leukemia would strike me at the same time. But I can’t give up. My three children still need their dad,” said 45-year-old single father Koor Chen Shiong from Alor Setar, Kedah.

Though weakened by illness and tormented by the side effects of chemotherapy, he continues to endure and cooperate with every treatment, hoping to survive long enough to complete his bone marrow transplant.

Koor had always been healthy until last year, when a back injury from lifting cement at work led to persistent pain. Multiple consultations brought no improvement, and a blood test later confirmed B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL). Due to his financial difficulties, he was referred to a government hospital for further treatment.

After undergoing further testing at the general hospital, doctors confirmed that he was not only suffering from B-ALL but also Philadelphia chromosome-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL) — a rare and severe form of leukemia. Doctors informed him that while his condition is serious, treatment is still possible. He will need about a year of continuous chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, a matching donor has already been found through the Bone Marrow Donation Program.

【Severe side effects from second round of chemotherapy. Relying on physiotherapy and exercise to maintain muscle strength; treatment costs not covered by aid】

Once a healthy and hardworking man, 45-year-old single father Koor Chen Shiong from Alor Setar began experiencing back pain last December after straining his spine while carrying cement at work. Believing it was just a nerve issue, he sought help from private clinics, trying chiropractic and acupuncture treatments but his condition worsened rapidly. Within months, the pain became unbearable, forcing him to rely on a wheelchair and reduce his working hours.

In just four months, his weight dropped drastically from 90 kg to 70 kg. He suffered frequent fevers, cold sweats, and eventually collapsed at home. A blood test revealed alarming results suggesting leukemia. Unable to afford the RM10,000 cost for a bone marrow test at a private hospital, he was referred to a government hospital for further treatment.

There, doctors confirmed that he suffers from both B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PH+ ALL), two aggressive forms of blood cancer. His body was already overwhelmed by cancer cells, and immediate chemotherapy was necessary.

Koor began his first round of chemotherapy in May this year. While his back pain improved, the side effects soon appeared including hair loss, numbness in his hands and feet, loss of taste, and severe muscle weakness. Doctors prescribed physiotherapy to prevent muscle degeneration, but these sessions must be paid out of his own pocket, further straining his already fragile finances.

Because he is battling two types of leukemia, he will need at least one year of ongoing chemotherapy, followed by a bone marrow transplant. A suitable donor has been identified through the Bone Marrow Donor Program, but the total treatment and transplant expenses are beyond his means.

Koor, a single father of three children aged 18, 17, and 13, can now only work part-time due to his illness. His income has dropped drastically, and the family is struggling to make ends meet.

After reviewing his case, One Hope Charity has decided to launch a fundraising campaign to help this devoted father raise RM240,000 needed for his treatment. An immediate RM20,000 has been allocated from the Emergency Medical & Contingency Reserve Fund to support his urgent needs.

For inquiries, please contact One Hope Charity at 04-539 9212, 016-4192 192, 019-2322 192, or 018-911 4192.