Diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma, 27 year-old Zaki Mohd Yamani has since set out on a mission to inspire and remind cancer patients that life is worth fighting for.
His main goal? To encourage cancer patients to keep on fighting for their lives, to never give up and to raise awareness about the disease.
Credit: facebook.com/zakimukminn
After battling a rare type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system for over 2 years, Zaki decided that to show how cancer patients too can lead active lives, if their health allows them to, as seen by his frequent use of the hashtag ‘#cancerfighterMalaysia’.
Zaki wrote, “I want to travel by backpacking through Peninsular Malaysia. To cross areas, to cross states, to cross borders, to cross cultures.
With the goal of changing society’s view that ‘Cancer is not a ticket to death’.
With the hope that there are people who’s willing to help me throughout my journey.”
Zaki set off on his mission to hitchhike around peninsular Malaysia with only RM13 to spare! That, and his IC, driving license and some clothes. No other form of cash, no atm card, no nothing.
He started his journey from his mother’s house in Kampung Bukit Rang Dua, Pulau Tawar, Pahang on the 27 August, braving through unforeseeable situations. And so far, he’s been doing pretty well!
Credit: facebook.com/zakimukminn
Credit: facebook.com/zakimukminn
He’s been documenting his journey through a series of Facebook posts, updating his avid 7k followers about the where’s and who’s of his journey, and never forgetting to remind people about the joys of living. What’s even more beautiful was how readers were able to see that all races alike (regardless Chinese, Indian and Malay) are willing to extend a helping hand to Zaki to help him on his adventure. Now that’s 1Malaysia.
His journey is expected to last 13 days til 8 September (meaning, he’s still on tour guys!! Make sure to look out for him!).
Credit: facebook.com/zakimukminn
Three days into his trip, Zaki has yet to touch his stash of cash as he was showered by good Samaritans throughout. It’s amazing how time and time again, Zaki received help from kind Malaysians who’s willing to drive a stranger to his next destination, treat him to meals, and even provide him with an accommodation to stay for the night, proving that kindness knows no boundaries.
For those who has helped him, he’s eternally grateful and would always post photos of them on his Facebook as a gesture of gratitude.
Credit: facebook.com/zakimukminn
Zaki mentions that some people doubted his journey, saying that it’s impossible for him to stop someone to ask for a ride but he claims otherwise.
“Let’s head to Bayan Lepas this time. Everyone says it’s far and there are some people that say it’s impossible for me to hitchhike there. I said there’s nothing that’s impossible, because I’ve already been on the journey since I left Jerantut.”
Be sure to keep an eye out for this inspiring young man for the chance that he could be coming to your home town!
Malaysians have been starting to hit headlines for their hitchhiking adventures! Check out how this Malaysian girl managed to hitchhike from Sweden to Malaysia with just RM800.
