MELAKA: This Ramadan marks a year since Ainul Mardhiah Ahmad Safiuddin had undergone a surgery to remove a rare germ cell tumour of the mouth in London, United Kingdom.
Since her return, the toddler who is now a year and eight months old, has shown great health progress. Now weighing at 7.3kg, she is more alert to her surroundings and able to communicate her likes and dislikes.
Her father Ahmad Safiuddin Ahmad Razak, 25, said Ainul could now respond to simple questions by nodding or shaking her head.
"We are very thankful because Ainul's health continues to improve," he said when met at his house in Ayer Molek, here, today.
Ahmad Safiuddin said despite the Movement Control Order (MCO) this Ramadan, he was happy to be reunited at home with his eldest child.
He said the family had a harrowing experience last year when Ainul's tumour grew bigger and subsequently threatened her life.
"We were at our wits' end. Eventually, a UK-trained trainee surgeon Dr Nur Amalina Che Bakri opened the door for Ainul to be operated in London with Allah's blessing. We went there a week before Hari Raya to have the tumour removed," he recalled.
Ainul Mardhiah had the 200g tumour removed in a five-hour operation at a children's hospital in London on June 10 last year.
The surgery at the cost of RM1 million was led by the hospital's Craniofacial Unit chief Prof David Dunaway and assisted by Dr Nur Amalina.
Ahmad Safiuddin said Hari Raya this year will be an even more meaningful one for their family.
"Ainul can play by herself, but we need to monitor her constantly because she still needs help with her breathing and has to wear a breathing apparatus," he said.
Ainul's mother Nurul Erwani Zaidi, 25, said although Ainul was still not able to walk, she could communicate and play with her parents.
"This year we can play with Ainul and see her smiles and giggles.
"We are thankful to everybody who prayed for Ainul's health, including Dr Amalina who always shows concern for Ainul's development," she said.
Based on doctor's information, she said it will take some time before Ainul is able to walk as she had a premature birth.