VARSITY SWEETHEARTS MARRY DESPITE BIG C
Andrea marries Alfian, who is suffering from stage four colon and liver cancer
THEY say love conquers all and this adage has been touchingly demonstrated by the bond between Andrea Adriana Law Abdullah and Alfian Rizal here. Andrea, 31, on Saturday, married Alfian, 34, in spite of him suffering from stage four cancer.
The couple were pronounced husband and wife after their akad nikah (solemnisation of marriage) ceremony in front of the Melaka Islamic Council Marriages, Divorces and Rujuk chief registrar Mohd Shokri Mustaffa.
Andrea, who embraced Islam in October last year, said she was sincere in marrying Alfian, who is her best friend, despite his stage-four colon and liver cancer diagnosis in March.
“I am sure he is the best match for me,” Berita Harian reported.
The couple first met 12 years ago when they were studying at the Multimedia University here.
Andrea said while they were in the process of getting to know each other, Alfian never questioned when she was going to convert to Islam.
“He taught and guided me about Islam, but at the same time he said the decision (to embrace Islam) is totally my call.”
Sharing how Alfian was diagnosed with his dire illness, Sarawak-born Andrea said it all happened in 2015.
“He often complained of fatigue, and later was admitted to a private hospital for 10 days due to blood loss. However, at that time, the doctor had yet to determine the cause.
“Last year, Alfian was admitted to the hospital again, and the doctor still could not find the cause.
“Early this year, he started developing jaundice symptoms and was referred to the Selayang Hospital.
“Only then (were we told that he had stage-four cancer),” said Andrea, who is an assistant manager of a government agency.
Alfian, the only child of Rizal Abdullah, 61, and Aisah Selamat, 57, said Andrea had always been by his side.
“She has always been by my side, even during difficult times. I am touched that she is willing to accept me even in my condition now.
“Alhamdulillah (thank God), my prayer for her to marry me was answered.
“Insyaallah (God willing), we will soon be leaving for Guangzhou, China, for me to undergo chemotherapy treatment.
“I hope that my condition will improve,” said Alfian, who is a property consultant.