LAST BIRTHDAY

Family members and CWS board members Alan and Aimee singing Maxwell his birthday song before he blows the candles.

SIXTY five year old grandmother Rangit anak Saad was almost in tears when her grandson Maxwell Mark gave a peck on her cheek at their home in Kampung Mambong, Kuching recently.
The sorrow on her face reflected her love for her grandson Maxwell, 10 who is stricken with brain tumor, knowing that her love for him itself will not be able to save his life.
Even a birthday party organized by the Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia for Maxwell at his home could not cheer Rangit up, knowing it may be her grandson’s last celebration.
Maxwell was first diagnosed with brain tumor almost two years ago and has undergone several surgeries without success.
The bubbly boy is almost blind and can only see objects placed almost inches from his right eye.
According to his father, Dini anak Ami, 47 although Maxwell has partially lost the use of his left arm, he still insists on going outdoors to play his favourite game, football.
“His grandmother has been taking care of him for two years now, from the time he was diagnosed with brain tumor. Please excuse her for being so sad. She’s afraid of losing Maxwell, as we all are,” he said.
Doctors and nurses at the Kuching General Hospital adore him as he greets everyone by calling them “Darling”.
CWS board members Alan Yip and Lim Ai Mee who visited Maxwell at his home brought along a big Secret Recipe brownies cake, fried chicken from KFC and a Sony PSP.
“Maxwell was up very early this morning waiting for the visitors to come over. He has been anxiously waiting at the door,” Dini, who works as a part-time lorry driver said.

Maxwell giving his grandmother Rangit a kiss on her cheek

During the party, Maxwell sportingly fed cake to Rangit, Dini, his mother Renang anak Songem, 45 and also to Alan and Ai Mee. Other family members also joined the midday party and gave Maxwell a thunderous birthday song.
“We are glad to be able to bring a smile back to Maxwell’s life in these challenging times. His smile is so enchanting. He even sang us a song.”
“Maxwell is one of the first four recipients in Sarawak this year and we hope to do more for other children stricken with terminal or life-threatening diseases in the country,” Alan said, adding that CWS will continue to work with all partners, especially doctors and specialists in government hospitals to identify more recipients.
For more information on CWS Malaysia, check out www.cwsmalaysia.com