KUALA LUMPUR: A 10 year-old leukaemia patient's wish to become a firefighter for a day was fulfilled today.
Harith Maisara, clad in a firefighter’s uniform and helmet, was elated to have "assisted" firemen in battling a fire at the Firemen Training Centre, Jalan Hang Tuah Fire and Rescue Headquarters here.
"Today, she has forgotten her illness," said her mother, Suhana Sanuri, 44.
Accompanied by her parents and 11 year-old brother, Muhammad Harith Safuan, Maisara was surprised when a group of firemen — including Malaysian Fire Prevention Council chairman Datuk Dr Soh Chai Hock and City Fire and Rescue department director Khirudin Drahman -- gave her a rousing welcome when the family arrived at the headquarters at 10am.
Also joining the event was a group of students from Garden International School.
"Maisara didn't expect this event would happen. She thought it would just be a normal visit to the fire station. You can see that she looks excited," said Suhana.
The firemen surprised Maisara ever further when they presented her with a birthday cake. She turned to 10 yesterday.
Suhana said Maisara is a strong girl. She has endured a series of chemotherapy treatments without complaint.
"Maisara loves to play with things that other kids would usually avoid, such as fire. She said someday she would become a firefighter."
Diagnosed in October last year, Maisara has undergone four cycles of chemotherapy treatment between January and April this year.
Suhana said Maisara has recuperated, but she is currently undergoing follow-up treatments at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia medical centre.
The event was organised by the non-governmental organisation Make A Wish Malaysia and in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department.