Image credit: Bernama
Battling stage four cancer and a frail body, 24-year-old Nor Shamira Irwani Farid refused to let her illness deny her a place on the graduation stage.
Today, beneath her radiant smile at Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) 38th Convocation Ceremony, lies a story of courage, endurance and unwavering hope. Shamira, who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work Management with an impressive CGPA of 3.94, walked across Dewan Mu’adzam Shah to receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Award from the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah.
Cancer diagnosis came just 10 days after her internship ended
Diagnosed with Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma on August 19, just 10 days after completing her industrial training, Shamira learned on September 17 that the cancer had already reached stage four, having spread to her liver, lungs, and spleen.
“In the early phase, the treatment was very intense and I had to be warded. I accepted that I probably wouldn’t make it to convocation,” she said after the ceremony. “But after two cycles, the doctors said there was positive progress – the cancer had shrunk significantly, leaving mostly scar tissue. The treatment was then changed to a milder regime, and I was allowed to attend.”
The youngest of three siblings from Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Shamira is still undergoing chemotherapy, now once every two weeks at the daycare unit without needing to be hospitalised. “This is also the first time I’ve been allowed to travel far from home since starting treatment. I was worried, but thankfully I’m stable – my appetite is good and my mood is steady,” she shared.
Her diagnosis followed months of uncertainty. She first noticed a small lump on the right side of her neck back in October 2022, but with classes and student responsibilities, she ignored it. When she began her practicum earlier this year, the lump grew larger and multiplied, prompting further tests.
During her four-month training at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, she frequently travelled to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for tests and biopsies until doctors confirmed she had blood cancer.
“I see it as Allah’s perfect timing. At least I managed to finish my degree before finding out. If I had known earlier, I don’t think I would have been this strong,” she said, her voice trembling.
Throughout her studies, Shamira has also lived with bipolar type 2 disorder, receiving psychiatric treatment while managing her coursework and hospital visits. Yet, her perseverance never faltered.
Chemo treatment was so strong that Shamira thought she might miss her convocation
“At the beginning of my treatment, the chemotherapy was strong and I was in and out of the hospital. I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to be here today,” she said. “My family, lecturers, and friends became my pillars of strength, constantly encouraging me to keep going.”
Her resilience did not go unnoticed. During the convocation, UUM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan paused his speech to invite the entire hall to applaud her courage. “Let us give our warmest applause to Nor Shamira, who is here with us today,” he said, drawing heartfelt recognition from the audience.
Shamira, who aspires to become a lecturer in medical social work, said her strength comes from prayers and unwavering support. “The three things that anchored me were determination, prayer, and support,” she explained.
“Illness doesn’t dictate your success”
“To those battling chronic illness or mental health challenges, don’t give up. Illness doesn’t dictate your success. Hold on to hope, no matter how small, because there will always be people praying for you,” she said. “I know it’s hard to stay strong. If you need to cry, cry. Then stand up again. Hold on to the support around you – that’s what keeps me moving forward.”
Shamira is currently in her third chemotherapy cycle, with three more to go. Her story of hope and strength stood out among other moments of recognition during the convocation, which runs from today until Thursday.
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Source: Bernama
