Wildlife park birthday treat for young cancer patient

By Olivia Miwil - July 21, 2018 @ 3:19pm

PENAMPANG: A boy who is battling bone cancer was in high spirits when he received an advanced birthday treat at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

Addrick Yong Kin Hong, 11, also got a chance to celebrate the occasion with a special appearance by Marvel superhero “Iron Man”.

Yong, who is from Kampung Sumbilingon in Kota Marudu has been receiving treatment for osteosarcoma, or bone tumour on his left femur since January at the Likas Women and Children’s Hospital.

“This is my first time visiting the wildlife park, and I am happy to see many animals. but unfortunately there are no lions and leopards.

“I am also surprised to see Iron Man came to my birthday party and there are many presents,” Yong said during his celebration at J Borneo Native village here.

His day trip and birthday celebration were organised by non-governmental organisation Love and Care and hospital staff.

Yong’s mother Doris Harun, 37, said his son has been receiving treatment including removal surgery for the leg since he was diagnosed for osteosarcoma in January.

“After he completed chemotherapy and surgery, Addrick did say he wanted to come to the zoo, but that trip had been postponed because he had not been until today. He is much better now.

“His birthday is supposed to be on Dec 7 but the hospital advised us to do it earlier,” she said, adding that her son was scheduled to undergo another six rounds of chemotherapy.

Meanwhile, Love and Care volunteer Farid Hii said the trip was meant to fulfill Yong’s wishes and to lift his spirits as he fought the disease.

The others who joined in celebrating Yong’s birthday were Likas Women and Children’s Hospital staff led by paediatrician Dr Ng Su Fang, staff from J Borneo native village and local radio station Kupi-Kupi FM.