Cancer patient Ivy thrilled to visit wildlife park
KOTA KINABALU: A 4-year-old cancer patient, who showed a fondness for origami animals during her stay at the hospital, was given the chance to see the creatures in real life at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park here.
The one-day trip was organised for Ivy Steffanny Ching by Likas Women and Children’s Hospital and a church volunteer group, Love and Care.
Ivy’s father, Ching Chee Boon, 35, said his daughter has been battling bone cancer since April and had her right leg amputated last month.
“What we initially thought was a bone fracture due to a minor fall early this year turned out to be cancerous.
“The condition of her right calf worsened and experts advised to have it removed to prevent cancer cells from spreading to other parts of her body,” he said, adding that the surgery allowed Ivy to have a better quality of life.
The trip to the wildlife park, the first for Ivy, gave her the chance to see the animals in the flesh, including baby elephants, bear cats, snakes and macaw birds, among others.
Although Ivy shrieked and held on to her father when the animals came closer to them, Ching said she was happy during the outing.
Ivy’s mother, 3-year-old brother and grandmother joined the trip, too. Ivy also celebrated her birthday at the J Borneo Native village nearby. She was presented with a cake and a doll.
Love and Care leader, Farid Hii, said their role was to accompany children under palliative care and provide emotional support to the children’s caregivers.
“The church group members were shocked when we heard about the need to amputate Ivy’s leg, as she is still young.
“But, we are glad that she has pulled through and is very cheerful.”
He said seeing Ivy in good spirits made the team more motivated to continue serving terminally ill children.