“There was a fast growing tumor on the right side of my brain, and it was causing water retention in the brain which, if the tumor actually gets larger, will actually push the central alignment of the brain towards the left…”

“When it covers the air passage of the brain, breathing will be difficult and I might lose my life because of that. This condition is called hydrocephalus and this form of cancer is called lymphoma. So the doctor insisted to take out the tumor and surgery was crucial and I needed to do it as soon as possible because it was life threatening.

So they had to dig in through the skull into my brain to remove the tumor and to drain the water out. 

I then underwent my chemotherapy,radiation therapy, and I also did a stem cell transplant.

Thankfully, I am almost two years in remission.

And yes, my perspective on life changed. 

I think we take things for granted usually, because if your life is normal, you won’t really appreciate everything in life. I’ve been through so many treatments, and the stem cells transplants were regenerating my life over and over again.

I can say that I have a new chance at life, which is a very lucky thing to have. I now treasure everything I come across, and I know how to appreciate the small things in life. Small things like having a perfect blood test report. Small things like these, like blood test results and my hair, growing, is happiness – something to be happy about. And I was not like this before.

When I was diagnosed I quit my job, because I was expecting another relapse. 

I wish I hadn’t worked for so long. My daily routine was basically work, eat, sleep.

I changed my life, I changed to a slower paced life. I’m working on my own sweet time.

Work is not everything in life. If you are the workaholic type, do spend time with your family, because they should be the most important thing in your life. Work can’t replace them, whenever you fall sick, you rely on your family. Work can’t help much, except financially. Don’t neglect them because of work, it’s not worth it. Health is the other most important thing. I now work at my own pace, and focus more on my personal life”.

– Humans of Kuala Lumpur went down and spoke with a trio of female cancer survivors from theNational Cancer Society Malaysia. These are their stories.

Photostory taken by Mushamir, with editorial assistance from Sofia Irfan and Christine Yu Ping

Do you have a story? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/ht4HsvbxgSgcKS5h8

 

(This post was first published on November 10th 2017)

“I’d just finished my A-levels and I really wanted to volunteer somewhere, thinking that I could maybe get some experience before starting university…”

“I googled and found out about the IDEAS Academy, their work with refugees, who they were and what were their stories. So, I applied for their internship but it was full. Instead, I asked if I could volunteer. They agreed and I started immediately at the IDEAS Academy. The school was a shop lot, a really nice place, nicer than a government school. I was surprised by how it looked and felt like this place must not have a problem with funding. So I asked, and they told me it is fully funded on donation! They also told me they needed to shut down the school if they had no funds! 

I mean, how can you shut down a school for children where nobody wants?! 

Then I asked if I could start a crowdfunding page so I did that on my second day at work. I forwarded on WhatsApp messaged to my family and friends and I was so amazed at how people were willing to donate. My neighbours knew me but their friends didn’t and random people were helping! My target was RM8,000 but today I am at RM10,000. 

I wish more people knew about the status of refugees. If we give them an education, they can at least go out and do something in the future. “

– Humans of Kuala Lumpur

If you wish to know more about Jasmine’s cause, do check out http://www.ideasacademy.org.my/

Photo and story by Mushamir Mustafa and Yu Ping May — with Jasmin Aizul.

Do you have a story? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/ht4HsvbxgSgcKS5h8

 

(This post was first published on October 16th 2017)

“I’m a radio DJ and I love indie music…”

I want to interview Kimbra (singer). She’s my idol, she’s amazing. She’s like my spirit animal. I just think she’s so real. And Kimbra is like a huge mega pop star now but she’s been completely true to herself. She’s not afraid to be weird and express herself however she feels she needs to express. She’s very eccentric, I love her. She’s such an artist. I guess you can say I’m a bit like her! I know it may be hard but we should be true to ourselves and we shouldn’t be afraid of that. The other day I did a story on radio about the Hotdog Princess, a little 5 year old girl who instead of dressing up as a princess at her school, she wanted to be a hot dog, and turned up in a hot dog costume. I’m not kidding, kudos!

For me, the best thing about being a radio DJ was being able to connect with people…and with Capital Wave, through music especially. Radio is so personal…you’re with someone while they’re in their car, while they’re at work, before they go to bed. Someone called me on the show once and said they were going through some things but every time they’d hear my show they would feel better and that my music and my energy just had a positive impact on them. They said us announcers may not know it but it really does. That’s the reason I go to work everyday”.

– Humans of Kuala Lumpur— with Ashley Chan.

Photostory by Mushamir Mustafa

Do you have a story? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/ht4HsvbxgSgcKS5h8

 

(This post was first published on September 12th 2017)

Raja Muda Selangor – RMS, DYMM Tengku Amir Shah invites you to join to SAY Ignite 2017!

Dear everyone,

SAY IGNITE 2017 is to be held tomorrow (April 1) and is one of the many initiatives planned and organised by SAY (Selangor Youth Community) to foster interest and increase youths’ participation in community-based activities covering arts and culture, entertainment, entrepreneurship, sports and health.

Humans of Kuala Lumpur founder Mushamir Mustafa will be speaking there!

Come and join!

Do you have a story? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/ht4HsvbxgSgcKS5h8

 

(This post was first published on March 31st 2017)

The Malaysian Embassy in Sudan invites you to the largest photography exhibition by a single photographer in Sudan, showcasing the photographic work of Mushamir Mustafa, founder of the popular photoblog ‘Humans of Kuala Lumpur’ in his view of the people, objects and landscapes that represent the many ‘Faces of Sudan’

Having spent the last few months traveling throughout Sudan, Mushamir who is a TEDx Speaker and had counselled to the Malaysian Prime Minister on improving the Arts and Culture scene in Malaysia, presents the ‘Faces Of Sudan’ exhibition hoping to showcase what he sees as representing Sudan’s heritage and uniqueness.

With the support of the Malaysian Embassy and the Malaysian ambassador, the exhibition is also accompanied by a photography workshop to be given to selected university students from the Sudan University of Science and Technology in conjunction with the week-long exhibit, in hopes of imparting knowledge on young Sudanese in the art of photography and story telling.

Featuring nearly 220 photographs, do not miss this one week exhibition! 

Photostory by Mushamir Mustafa

Do you have a story? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/ht4HsvbxgSgcKS5h8

 

(This post was first published on March 28th 2017)

“When you are studying overseas, the studying and teaching style is very different…”

“Back in Malaysia you just need to memorize the notes given to you by your lecturer or teacher and you will be able to get good grades! But if you come here, and rely only on the slides given, you will not be able to pass an exam!

Here, they encourage us to give our on opinion on subjects, to debate, and promote self-learning. You need to read more publication papers in order to present your evidence towards whatever you are required to write, which I find difficult at first but its very useful as I have to do more thinking than let the teacher do the thinking for us. I’m actually able to discuss more serious topics with my friends and able to learn a lot more skills. 

But at Malaysia, us students can be quite manja (spoilt/pampered) because for the exams everything is given to us, and I feel like we don’t really do a lot of thinking. I do appreciate the hardwork by my teachers and lecturers back in Malaysia to make sure we don’t fail, but some students are still manja and still ‘malas nak baca nota yang kalau baca confirm lulus exam’ (lazy to read the notes which if you do, you will pass the exams). But here we all have to rely on ourselves. Belajar sendiri itu penting so cari more information sendiri. Kalau tak memang fail. (Learning proactively is important, if not, you will fail).”

– Humans of Kuala Lumpur

Photostory by Mushamir Mustafa

Do you have a story? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/ht4HsvbxgSgcKS5h8

 

(This post was first published on March 18th 2017)

“Many people see on social media that when you are a Malaysian student overseas its very “seronoknya – boleh jalan2 enjoy bila kat overseas” (its so exciting, you can go travelling)…”

“But it’s actually very challenging because we are exposed to a different culture in a foreign country – its another person’s home so you can’t actually feel at home. One challenge is language. Fortunately, most Malaysians can converse in English well enough. There is also the religious difference, sometimes there will be racism now and then, but thank God I’m in Scotland, where the majority of the people are friendly and helpful.

Most of our time are spent towards our coursework and studies. Once finished, then we go out and explore the country. We get stressed and sad and emotional sometimes and we tend to rely on each other here. If my friend is upset and homesick, it’s our responsibility to be there for them. Its really hard being thousands of miles away from our family, but we keep up a smile, not to make them worry, and a worried parent will add to more stress. 

And alhamdulilah, I am happier here, I’m also no longer in an unhealthy relationship, but I really miss home as well. 

But the main reason I decided to study abroad is because I want to prove to others back home that I can make it out here. For 5 years I was told that I’m “bodoh, bangang, takde akal, macam orang gaji”. Till the day that I flew out from Malaysia, I can only differentiate those who believe in me and those I need to cut off from my life as they all said “Betul ke you pergi? Pandai ke untuk pergi luar negara?” (Are you sure you’re going? Are you smart enough to go abroad?). So the reason that I decided to continue my studies overseas is to broaden my mind and my surroundings, as I’m very sure that there is more for me – a second chance to start all over again”. 

– Humans of Kuala Lumpur

Photostory by Mushamir Mustafa

Do you have a story? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/ht4HsvbxgSgcKS5h8

 

(This post was first published on March 17th 2017)