KUALA LUMPUR: Young artist Maryam Zhafira Khairul Anuar is only 12, yet this young prolific painter has embarked on her own mission to raise funds to assist children with heart conditions.
Maryam and her mother, Sharifah Sarah, 42, have been making great strides, all thanks to the support from those around them.
Despite being born with Down Syndrome, Maryam has showcased her paintings in various art exhibitions and charity fundraisers in the country.
As Maryam sits and splashes vibrant colours on her canvas, occasionally drawing flower petals with her fingers, Sharifah said it still amazes her to see her daughter's talent come into bloom.
Initially, Sharifah said Maryam underwent numerous intervention programmes, never missing a class except for occupational therapy, which requires fine motor skills. Naturally, this requires a lot of discipline and patience.
"After much careful discussion with her doctor, a solution came in the most creative way: painting. One of her favourite teachers, Teacher Izzati, has taught her to paint since she was six," she said.
Now, Maryam could sit for four hours straight just to finish her paintings. Her artworks adorn nearly every corner of their house in Ara Damansara. Some were displayed on walls, shelves, and near the staircase.
One of the earliest buyers of Maryam's works was Mercy Malaysia founder Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood. Apart from Dr Jemilah, family members are Maryam's biggest fans.
"We've been truly blessed in this sense. If you go to her aunt or grandparents' house, you'll see some of Maryam's paintings up on the wall," she said, adding that good friends were also instrumental in helping to spread the word about Maryam's creative works.
On less hectic days, Sharifah accompanies Maryam to deliver her paintings.
"She needs to know that there are people who appreciate her work. It's the whole sense of belonging and having the same access to the same opportunities to do good," she said.
So far, Maryam's cause has raised over RM250,000 just from the painting sales.
Sharifah said 80 per cent goes to the charity, and 20 per cent is reserved for Maryam's fund. So far, she said Maryam has sold over 50 of her paintings.
Sharifah said Maryam Saves A Heart has collaborated with Yayasan Chow Kit and Tiny Gold Hearts.
"We started Maryam Saves A Heart so that we can champion a cause that we truly believe in, which is to save children's hearts," she said, adding that Maryam's father works as a heart surgeon at the National Heart Institute (IJN).
Sharifah said they couldn't have achieved all these without the help and support of so many kind souls who believe in what Maryam could achieve.
"We have been very blessed because we connected with the right people, organisations, and people who share the same passion," she said.
While some say that taking care of a special needs child demands extra effort, Sharifah has a different idea: "You just have to stay positive and be patient. Some children are slow learners, but they will get there eventually at their own pace."
Reflecting on their journey, Sharifah expressed gratitude for being able to learn and witness Maryam's growth firsthand.
"It has been a lovely journey, and as you can see, I get so much love from Maryam."
"Children with special needs are loving children. If you give them a sense of purpose, they will be motivated," she said.
Her tips? "Always be optimistic to discover new things," she said.
Indeed, Sharifah added that she was surprised at Maryam's interpretation, and her choice of colours reflected her state of mind on that particular day.
"You will notice when she's happy because she uses a lot of pink and purple. But if she's not happy, the colours will be sombre," she added.
Don't forget to catch the full interview with Sharifah and Maryam on May 16 in the New Straits Times