Help Kiruba Reach Urgent Cancer Treatment and Aftercare

My name is Helen. I am fundraising on behalf of my dear friend Kiruba, whom I have known for over 26 years.

Kiruba and I met in 1999 while working together at the Sheraton Perdana Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia. She was only 19 at the time, already living with rheumatoid arthritis, yet full of strength and determination.

Kiruba has personally shared her recent cancer diagnosis and hospital documentation with me directly, and I have been supporting her as best as I can from afar.

Kiruba was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1992 as a 12-year-old child and has lived with chronic pain, reduced mobility and increasing disability ever since. Despite the crippling effects of her disability, she has raised her daughter Phoenix on her own and built a career in hospitality and fitness. More recently, she ran a guesthouse in Langkawi for several years, until the business collapsed during COVID lockdowns. Since then, Kiruba has struggled without any stable income or financial safety net.

On 10 December 2025, Kiruba received devastating news. After months of worsening symptoms — and ongoing financial barriers that delayed access to medical care — she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Thankfully, CT scans show the cancer has not spread, but her doctors have advised that she urgently begin an intensive course of radiation treatment to prevent progression.

This life-saving treatment is not available in Langkawi. Kiruba must travel to Kuala Lumpur and be admitted to hospital for approximately one month beginning 20 January 2026.

Although her medical treatment is covered, Kiruba has no financial means to manage the essential costs surrounding her treatment and recovery, including:

• Return flights to Kuala Lumpur

• Transport and short-term accommodation before and after admission

• Rent, utilities and food while she is being treated and receiving aftercare

• Basic living expenses for her daughter

• Recovery and medical follow-up support once she returns home

Without help, Kiruba may not even be able to reach the hospital in time to begin treatment.

Our immediate goal is to raise RM5,000 to ensure Kiruba can access treatment, keep her home secure, and recover safely.

If we are blessed to exceed this goal, additional funds will go toward purchasing a mobility scooter to help Kiruba regain independence and safely access her community and medical care after treatment.

Any contribution, large or small, will be deeply appreciated and will make a real difference.

Because GoFundMe does not officially operate in Malaysia, all funds will be received by me here in Australia and transferred directly to Kiruba.

If you are unable to donate at this time, please consider sharing this page with others who may be able to help. You are also welcome to contact Kiruba or myself directly if you prefer.

Thank you so much in advance for your kindness and support.

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