Dream of boy with neuroblastoma to become fireman comes true

KUALA LUMPUR: Joy lighted up the face of a six-year-old boy who suffers from a tumor when given an opportunity to become a firefighter yesterday.

Muhammad Haris Wafiq Mohd Hawary, who aspires to become a firefighter, was confirmed as having a level four tumour (neuroblastoma or interruptions via the nerves and blood vessels), since March last year.

“I want to be a fireman because a fireman likes to help people. It’s so much fun because I can put on a fireman’s uniform, go on the fire engine..thank you all,” he said.

He was met at a special ‘Make A Wish Programme’ organised by a non-government organisation, Make-A-Wish Malaysia, with the cooperation of the Fire and Rescue Department here.

He was also given the opportunity to take part in a fire evacuation drill, rescuing at a high rise building using the turn table ladder, travelling in a fire engine and performing a water display at the Desa Sri Hartamas Fire Station, here, assisted by other firemen.

Meanwhile, his mother, Siti Salwa Abdullah, 30, said she was thankful her son’s dream was realised and hoped he could enter school next year.

“Haris only stays home and did not want to do any activity when he first became ill but now he is becoming more active and keen to carry out numerous activities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director Khirudin Drahman said this was the first time the department involved itself in the programme.

“With such a programme, it is hoped that Haris can gird his spirit to recover from the ailment and become a healthy boy,” he said.

Muhammad Haris Wafiq has undergone eight rounds of chemoteraphy followed by an operation last July to get rid of a growth at the base of his neck and other treatments last August.

He is still undergoing treatment at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.