LETTER | When my late mother was diagnosed with stage four cancer three years ago, it took all of my family members by surprise.

Soon thereafter, we were all trying our level best to get her the best treatment possible. However, despite being aware that there is no cure for cancer, we were somehow hoping for some treatment that could make that cancer go away.

We then began to realise and accept the fact that the only thing we could possibly do was to make my mother feel as comfortable as possible with the least amount of pain that comes with cancer.

It was at that time when my family members were referred to Hospis Malaysia.

Hospis Malaysia is a charitable organisation that offers professional palliative care to Klang Valley patients who are suffering from terminal illnesses. The care extended by Hospis Malaysia transcends age, gender, culture, religion and social standing and is offered free-of-charge.

From the time when my mother was discharged from the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UUMC) till the time she took her last breath in front of me, Hospis Malaysia was like god-sent.

Even before my mother reached home from UUMC, Hospis Malaysia had set up the bed, ripple mattress, oxygen tank and the medicine for pain. They were simply amazing.

Never have I seen such a dedicated and professional team who would go to great lengths to make sure their patient was not in pain and was made as comfortable as possible. And all this for free.

And every couple of days, a professional nurse would come by to the house to ensure all the medicines are administered accordingly.

Needless to say, my mom would have been extremely grateful. My family members and I were beyond words.

In this instance, I am making a plea to all Malaysians to donate generously to this wonderful charitable organisation to ensure that they are able to continue funding their acts of kindness in the future.

It is my humble opinion that Hospis Malaysia should be given more coverage, publicity, funding and assistance they desperately need.

More details are available on their website where their donation forms can be downloaded. Alternatively, one can directly make a deposit into their Maybank account number: 5141 3212 1211

On behalf of my family members and myself, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Hospis Malaysia who was there at a time when we needed assistance the most.

"In loving memory of Mom, Baby a/p Manikam, Jan 4, 1949, to Nov 23, 2015"

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