All I Want for Christmas is for My Children to be Healthy
A Father’s Wish for a Healthy and Normal Life
As the festive season approaches, many of us are busy making lists and checking them twice, trying to get everything just right for our loved ones. But for Samsen Thomas, a father of two, the most important thing he wants for Christmas is for his children to be healthy.
Thalassaemia Major: A Genetic Condition
Thalassaemia major is a genetic condition that affects the production of haemoglobin, resulting in severe anaemia. Treatment options for this disease, which is usually diagnosed within the first six months of life, include regular blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants. Samsen’s eldest son Shiezell, 12, and daughter Jolie Avril Alvira, 10, have been living with the condition since they were young.
A Bone Marrow Transplant and a Gift from a Younger Brother
Jolie had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year, with her younger brother Seanbester, 8, serving as the donor. This means that Seanbester is a carrier of a faulty gene from one parent, without symptoms. “Until now, Shiezell has no matching stem-cell donor in the family and may have to rely on continuous blood transfusions or until a suitable donor is found,” Samsen explained.
A Father’s Wish
With the coming Christmas celebration, Samsen and his wife are simply hoping for their son and daughter to be healthy and able to live a normal life like other children. “I just want my wife and I to be able to see our children grow up and live a normal life like other kids,” Samsen said.
Regular Follow-up Treatments and Monitoring
Shiezell and Jolie have to undergo regular follow-up treatments at a government hospital in Johor Bahru almost every month. Jolie has also recently undergone chemotherapy and will have to be monitored for a year, so Samsen is hoping her health will improve and she can return to school as usual.
A Lively Christmas Celebration
Despite the challenges they face, Samsen’s family is still able to have a lively Christmas celebration. “Our Christmas celebration is lively because three of my siblings also live in Johor, so we usually celebrate together,” he said. They are also grateful for the support of organizations like Petronas, which has brought them to Legoland Malaysia Resort as part of its “Petronas 50 Dreams Uplifting Lives” program.
A Brighter Future Ahead
Shiezell, who attends Sekolah Kebangsaan Skudai Batu 10, has big aspirations and hopes to make his parents happy. “Studying is fun, especially Malay and English subjects. These are my favourites. When I grow up, I want to be a policeman, and my younger brother Seanbester wants to be a policeman too,” he said.
Conclusion
As the festive season approaches, Samsen’s family is grateful for the support they have received and the opportunities they have had to make memories together. They are a testament to the resilience and hope that can be found in the face of adversity.
FAQs
* What is thalassaemia major?
Thalassaemia major is a genetic condition that affects the production of haemoglobin, resulting in severe anaemia.
* What are the treatment options for thalassaemia major?
Treatment options for thalassaemia major include regular blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.
* What is the “Petronas 50 Dreams Uplifting Lives” program?
The “Petronas 50 Dreams Uplifting Lives” program is a program that brings families, like Samsen’s, to Legoland Malaysia Resort for a fun-filled day of adventure and celebration.