IPOH: The family of a salivary gland cancer patient is appealing for public donation to help with their daily expenses.

       Former factory worker Liew Yoon Pin said her 51-year-old husband Wong Poh Leong was diagnosed with right parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma in January last year and their family have since exhausted their savings for his treatment.

       Liew, 43, said they had been relying on Wong’s siblings for financial assistance but decided to stop doing so as they too have their own families to care for.

       “My husband was previously a salesman but he had stopped work since March last year after an operation,” she told a press conference held by Perak MCA public services and complaints bureau chief Low Guo Nan at her house in Bercham yesterday.

       The couple have two children who are attending primary school.

       Liew had to quit her job in October last year as she needed to care for her husband.

       She said that Wong would often feel tired after a chemotherapy session.

       “We have already spent over RM12,000 for his treatment in Kuala Lumpur and other related expenses,” she added.

       Liew said their monthly expenses are between RM1,500 and RM2,000.

       “This is for chemotherapy and supplements for my husband, utility bills and daily necessities,” she said, adding that her husband is also getting RM500 every month from the Social Security Organisation.

       “My husband is seeking treatment at government hospitals as we could not afford to go to a private hospital,” she said.

       “He was supposed to go for his sixth chemotherapy session on Friday but there were some complications, as his doctor is concerned that the cancer cells could spread to other organs.

       “We were advised to observe his condition for another six months before his next check-up,” she said, adding that Wong’s cancer was at the fourth stage.

       Liew also said she hoped to find employment that would allow her to work from home.

       “If there are factories that allow me to work from home, I will do it as I just want to find some income while also taking care of my husband. Both of us are stressed out due to not having any income for so long,” she said.

       Liew said she and her son shaved their heads last week in support of Wong.

       “He started gradually losing his hair before Chinese New Year.

       “We want to show our support and hope he will recover,” she said.

       For details or to donate, call Low at 012-532 1128.