Stage four brain cancer fails to stop graduate from attending convocation

KEMAMAN: Stage four brain cancer did not deter Muhammad Afiq Mohd Hairul Fahmy, 23, from attending his convocation in person.

To fulfil his wish, his parents arranged a two-day ambulance journey from Arau, Perlis, to Banting, Selangor, before continuing to Kemaman, Terengganu, with medical support throughout the trip.

Muhammad Afiq was diagnosed with brain cancer during his final year of study for a Bachelor of Information Technology with Business Management (Honours) at TATI University College (UC TATI).

Despite his deteriorating condition and reliance on oxygen support, he completed his degree and received the Special Aegrotat Award at UC TATI’s 26th Convocation Ceremony on Oct 10.

His father, Captain Mohd Hairul Fahmy Yob, a senior Royal Malaysian Navy officer, said the family made the journey to honour their son’s wish.

They had considered a Mercy flight but ruled it out following medical advice.

“Attending the convocation ceremony was his wish, and we could not bring ourselves to deny him that, even though we knew it would be a long journey,” said Captain Mohd Hairul.

“We travelled for two days to get here, taking into account his medical needs.

“We were willing to do everything we could for Afiq. It was a long journey as his condition did not permit him to travel by air.”

The family chose to travel by ambulance to ensure his medical needs could be attended to en route.

Muhammad Afiq arrived at the ceremony in a wheelchair, accompanied by his parents, and received the award from UC TATI Vice-Chancellor Datuk Kamaluddin Abd Rashid and Rector Prof Dr Hairul Azhar Abdul Rashid.

Although he struggled to speak, the joy on his face was evident.