A Mother’s Unyielding Fight: Battling Cancer with Her Teenage Son in Johor

In the heart of Johor Baru, a single mother’s resilience shines through the darkest of times as she stands by her teenage son, who is battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Rafidah Manaf, 45, has spent nearly a year navigating hospital corridors, driven by an unwavering determination to see her 17-year-old son, Muhammad Adif Fadrul Syahrul, overcome sarcoma—a cancer that affects the body’s connective tissues.

A Painful Discovery

The ordeal began in June 2024, when Muhammad Adif first complained of sharp pains in his left shoulder. Initially, Rafidah took him to Enche Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital in Kluang, where he was given painkillers to ease the discomfort. But a month later, a noticeable swelling appeared on the same shoulder, raising alarm bells for the worried mother. “When the swelling appeared the first time, I was worried it was cancer, but Muhammad Adif assured me that it was nothing to worry about” said Rafidah, reflecting on those early, uncertain days.

By December, after being referred to Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital in Batu Pahat for an MRI scan, the family received the devastating confirmation: Muhammad Adif had sarcoma. “My heart just sank” Rafidah recalled, her voice heavy with the memory of that moment. Since February 2025, the teenager has been undergoing treatment at Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) in Johor Baru, with his mother by his side every step of the way.

A Family Sacrificed

The diagnosis has upended Rafidah’s life. A single mother of two, she was forced to quit her job of nearly a decade at a restaurant in Kluang to focus on her son’s care. Her six-year-old daughter, Qaleesya Aishah, now stays with a relative back home, separated from her mother during this challenging period. “I had to make this choice to be with Muhammad Adif” Rafidah explained, highlighting the painful sacrifices she has endured to prioritize her son’s health.

The teenager’s condition has worsened over time, with cancer spreading to his face, kidneys, lungs, blood, and bones. Describing his daily struggles, Rafidah noted, “His face is swollen, and he couldn’t lie on his left or right side. Muhammad Adif often stays in a prostrated position just to feel comfortable in bed.” The young man also suffers from mouth ulcers and is currently undergoing both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite being discharged from HSI recently, he must continue to return for ongoing treatment, a grueling routine for both mother and son.

Community and Hope

Amid the hardship, Rafidah has found solace in the support of her community. Relatives have stepped in to help, as have staff and students from Muhammad Adif’s school, SMK Sultan Abdul Jalil. Additionally, nurses and support staff at HSI are assisting her in applying for financial aid through the Johor Islamic Religious Council Baitulmal. “Hopefully my application can be approved, as the money is meant to take care of Muhammad Adif and his medical needs, including to travel between Kluang and HSI” she said, clinging to the possibility of relief.

The costs of treatment and travel are a significant burden for Rafidah, who estimates regular expenses for transportation and incidental needs. While specific figures vary, similar cases often involve costs in the range of several thousand Malaysian Ringgit over months of treatment. For context, a single trip between Kluang and Johor Baru can cost around 50 Malaysian Ringgit (US$11), a small but recurring expense that adds up over time.

A Mother’s Resolve

Rafidah’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal toll that serious illness can take on families, particularly in communities where access to healthcare and financial resources may be limited. In Malaysia, while public hospitals like HSI provide subsidized care, the indirect costs—lost income, travel, and caregiving—often fall heavily on families like Rafidah’s. Her determination to remain by her son’s side, despite the emotional and financial strain, speaks to a universal parental instinct to protect and nurture, no matter the odds.

As Muhammad Adif continues his fight against sarcoma, Rafidah holds onto hope. “As long as Muhammad Adif is still breathing, I would do whatever it takes to make sure that my son will be healthy again” she affirmed. For now, their journey is far from over, but in the quiet moments by his hospital bed, Rafidah’s strength offers a beacon of light amid the uncertainty.