Help bring Palliative Care to Indonesia's children

Think back when you were 18, what would have been your dream birthday gift?

For Fandi*, who turned 18 last week, all he wanted was food that he could share with his neighbors. No cake or gift was necessary.

Fandi was an active, and self-confessed “naughty” boy, until he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (an aggressive and highly malignant form of cancer) at 12 years of age. With multiple surgeries and chemotherapy cycles, the hospital became his playground. And soon, his world became smaller, and aloneness is the new normal.

Because of the wounds in the sacral area, Fandi’s mobility is limited and is bed bound. Both his parents work full time and his brothers in school. During the day, Fandi’s caregivers are his caring neighbors. They pop by to make sure he is alright and keep him company if he is lonely.

So, it did not really come as a surprise when he told Nurse Dadan that his wish is to be able to share a meal with his caring neighbors on his birthday.

When Dadan shared this story with his Rachel House colleagues, Hapsari - Rachel House’s HRD Manager - happened to be in the room. “I could not stop thinking about Fandi’s beautifully pure and generous wish. Nothing for himself on his 18^th birthday! All he wanted was to find a way to thank his neighbors.”

Hapi (Hapsari’s nickname) took it upon herself to coordinate a simple celebration for this boy whose story had captured her heart. She rallied the support of her family to prepare “boxed-meals” for Fandi’s special friends and neighbors. These “boxed-meals” would be packed to resemble restaurant takeaway boxes.

Why the “boxed-meals”?

Apparently, Fandi harbored a secret dream of owning a restaurant, where his mother would be the chef and his father the cashier. That way, they will be together, every moment and every day. The very thing he has missed most, in his aloneness. A simple and earnest dream.

“I hope these “boxed-meals” will allow Fandi to live his dream of owning a restaurant, even if it is just for one day,” said Hapi. “It made me and my family so happy to know that we can put a smile on his face,” she added.

*name changed for privacy