“I can’t even close my mouth anymore… saliva and blood keep flowing every day, and even sleeping has become painful. I’m really scared… scared that I won’t live long enough to watch my children grow up…”

The massive tumour growing on his jaw has completely changed the life of this 26-year-old production supervisor. What started as a small lump has now expanded to the point where it has almost taken over his entire lower jaw, making it difficult for him to speak, eat normally, or even perform basic activities like standing and sleeping without suffering.

Mohamad Khamarul Bin Johariusin, 26, from Bukit Mertajam, Penang, first noticed swelling around his jaw about five years ago. At the beginning, the swelling was small and painless, and he thought it was merely a gum problem. However, as the tumour continued to grow larger over time, the situation gradually spiralled out of control.

Over the years, he sought treatment everywhere, undergoing tooth extractions, drainage procedures and countless medical check-ups, yet doctors were unable to identify the real cause. It was only by the end of last year, when the swelling became so severe that he could no longer close his mouth and his face became badly deformed, that he was finally diagnosed with Mandible Ameloblastoma.

【Tumour Continues Expanding, Severely Affecting Daily Life】

Today, the tumour on his jaw has grown to an alarming size, resembling a heavy mass hanging from his face. It constantly leaks saliva, pus and blood, while also pressing against surrounding nerves, causing chronic headaches, sleepless nights and balance problems.

He is now unable to chew food properly and survives mainly on porridge, milk and soft foods. Due to the extreme weight of the tumour, he can no longer stand for long periods. Even while showering, he is forced to sit down after standing for more than three minutes, and he has also begun experiencing difficulty walking steadily.

Even more worrying, doctors warned that if the tumour continues to be left untreated, it may eventually turn cancerous or even cause his jawbone to fracture, leading to devastating consequences.

He was previously referred to a government hospital for treatment, where doctors planned to perform a total mandibulectomy together with bone graft reconstruction surgery. However, due to the complexity and high risks involved, as nerves surrounding the jaw are connected to the brain, the surgery could potentially result in stroke or even death, which was why he was eventually referred to a specialist hospital.

Doctors explained that if the surgery is successful, he may gradually regain the ability to work within about two months, and may even be able to have dentures fitted again in the future to restore a more normal life.

However, the life-saving surgery costs RM80,000, an amount that is impossible for the family to afford under their current circumstances.

Mohamad Khamarul previously earned a monthly salary of RM4,187, but has been on unpaid leave since September last year due to his worsening condition. His employer has informed him that if he is unable to return to work after May, he may lose his job.

His wife, Nurul Aisyah Vanaja, 27, is a housewife, and the couple has two very young children, a one-year-old son and a three-month-old baby daughter.

Today, this 26-year-old father is racing against time in his battle against the disease. He does not want to give up on life. He simply wants the chance to survive, continue supporting his family, watch his one-year-old son grow up, and hold his baby daughter in his arms as she grows through the years ahead.

After conducting a home visit and reviewing the case, One Hope Charity has decided to assist in raising the required medical funds. The family has also officially authorised One Hope Charity to fully handle the fundraising process and receive donations on their behalf.

For enquiries, please contact One Hope Charity hotline at 04-539 9212 / 016-419 2192 / 019-232 2192 / 018-911 4192.