Cancer has struck the family one after another. The mother passed away from breast cancer, while the 31-year-old elder brother was previously diagnosed with blood cancer and continues to attend regular follow-up appointments after completing treatment. Now, the youngest daughter, just 23 years old, has also been diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.

She was on the verge of completing her university studies and had planned to put on her graduation gown this November. Instead, she now has to put her graduation plans on hold and focus on battling cancer.

23-year-old Tan Yun Ju from Bukit Mertajam, Penang, developed a persistent cough earlier this year. She later began experiencing chest and abdominal pain, breathlessness and large amounts of mucus-filled phlegm. After undergoing a series of medical examinations, she was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, which had already spread to her other lung.

Due to the complexity of her condition, doctors need to conduct Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify the specific genetic mutations in the cancer cells and determine the most suitable treatment plan. Based on her current treatment plan, she requires targeted therapy, with an estimated medical cost of RM286,000.

For her 62-year-old father, Tan Chai Hong, the greatest fear is not the financial burden he has to bear, but watching both of his children fall ill one after another.

“My daughter was only one assignment away from completing her degree. She was supposed to wear her graduation gown this November, but she was suddenly diagnosed with lung cancer. My wife has already passed away from cancer, and I really do not want my daughter to suffer the same fate. I sincerely hope that everyone can help her and give her a chance to receive the treatment she needs.”

【Just One Step Away From Graduation, Cancer Suddenly Turned Her Life Upside Down】

Tan Yun Ju is currently pursuing a degree in Food Technology at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She has always been a hardworking and high-achieving student, and was able to complete her university studies with the support of a scholarship.

Earlier this year, during the final month of her internship, she began experiencing a persistent cough and body aches. Initially, she thought it was just a minor illness and relied on lozenges and painkillers to relieve her symptoms, never expecting that something more serious was happening inside her body.

After returning to university, she sought treatment at the university clinic. An X-ray revealed an abnormality in her lungs, and she was subsequently referred to the Central Hospital for further examinations.

As the family had medical insurance coverage, she was also taken to a specialist hospital for further investigations. Doctors drained approximately 2 litres of fluid from her lungs and sent samples for testing.

Following further examinations and a series of tests, doctors eventually confirmed that she had lung adenocarcinoma, which had already spread to the other lung.

As Yun Ju has non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), doctors need to conduct Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify the genetic mutations in the cancer cells before determining the most appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, fluid accumulation in her lungs continued to cause breathlessness and swelling, and she had to be hospitalised twice for further examinations and drainage of the fluid from her lungs.

The 23-year-old, who was once preparing to graduate and plan her future, now has to put her studies and future plans aside and focus entirely on her cancer treatment.

【Mother Died of Cancer, Brother Previously Battled Blood Cancer, and Now the Youngest Daughter Has Lung Cancer】

For 62-year-old father Tan Chai Hong, this is not the first time his family has faced cancer.

He worked hard as a supervisor to support the family, earning around RM3,000 a month. When his wife was battling breast cancer, he put aside his work to care for and accompany her. Despite undergoing treatment, she eventually passed away in 2023.

After losing his wife, he had hoped that as long as his children remained healthy, his son could work and his daughter could graduate from university, life would gradually return to normal.

But several years ago, his 31-year-old eldest son was also diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

At the time, his son sought medical attention after experiencing stomach pain, chest pain and other discomfort. Examinations revealed a tumour measuring approximately 9cm in the stomach wall. After undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, the tumour shrank to approximately 2cm. His condition is currently stable, but he still requires regular follow-up appointments.

Just as the son’s treatment had finally come to an end, his 23-year-old younger sister was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.

Within just a few years, the father has lost his wife to cancer, watched his son battle cancer, and now faces his daughter’s illness.

【Insurance Coverage Nearly Exhausted, Leaving the Father With No Choice But to Seek Public Support】

Although Yun Ju has medical insurance coverage, much of the policy limit has already been used due to her medical treatment and expenses, leaving only limited coverage remaining.

Over the years, the father’s savings, which he had set aside for the family’s future, have also gradually been depleted by living expenses and mounting medical costs for his wife and son.

His daughter was just one step away from graduating and beginning a new chapter in life, but cancer has suddenly brought those plans to a halt.

What she needs now is not only the opportunity to complete her studies, but also a chance to receive the treatment she urgently needs and continue fighting for her life.

Following a home visit and assessment, One Hope Charity has decided to assist Tan Yun Ju in raising the funds required for her treatment. Her family has also officially appointed the charity to manage the fundraising campaign and collect donations on their behalf.

In addition, One Hope Charity will allocate RM20,000 from its “Emergency Medical & Contingency Reserve Fund” as immediate assistance towards her medical expenses.

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