Confidence, perseverance and patience – these are the principles that Ms Alawiyah Jaffar, 52, held on to as her life was thrown into turmoil.

In 2008, she was diagnosed with Behçet’s Disease, an inflammatory condition that can affect various parts of the body including the skin, joints and mouth.

Just two years later, she received an even more devastating diagnosis – leukaemia.

As she grappled with illness, she was also navigating a difficult divorce and adjusting to life as a single mother to three young children. Her youngest was just seven at the time.

“It felt incredibly heavy,” she recalled. “I was sick, I had to go to the hospital, care for the children and manage the divorce at the same time.

“People said all kinds of things about me and my children. I cried alone… but I used those words as motivation.”

Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Ms Alawiyah continued working, as a clinic assistant on weekdays, and at the Singapore Zoo on weekends, to support her family.

“I was like an octopus, juggling everything,” she said with a tired laugh.

“But I knew my focus had to be my children. I even told my doctor, and they adjusted my chemotherapy so it wouldn’t be too intense.”

Her treatment was tailored to allow her to continue functioning as a mother – extending the duration so it would be less taxing on her body.

When she was first diagnosed, giving up never crossed her mind.

“I didn’t dwell on the illness. I just thought, I want to use the time I have to make sure my children feel loved. I didn’t want to have any regrets.”

Even in exhaustion, she remained present.

“After chemo, I’d be so weak. But when my children came home, I’d get up and cook. If they were studying at night, I’d make Milo or Maggi for them. I went to bed only after they slept,” she said, eyes welling up during an interview with Berita Minggu.

The journey wasn’t easy, but she never imagined how far her children would go.

“I thought they were just average. But when people praised them, I realised that all my sacrifices were worth it,” she said proudly.

Her eldest son, Mr Akmal Danial Mohamed Nor, 29, holds a diploma. Her second son, Mr Arman Harith Mohamed Nor, 27, is an engineer. Her youngest, Ms Dayana Marsya Mohamed Nor, 23, is currently studying at Nanyang Technological University.

Looking back, Ms Alawiyah said she is grateful that all the perseverance and hardship were not in vain.

Along the way, support came from the Ain Society. Introduced to the group by officials from 4PM (Malay Youth Literary Association), she attended craft activities, while her youngest daughter underwent art therapy.

“She used to be very quiet and had trouble expressing herself. But after therapy, she became more confident and open,” she shared.

In 2015, Ms Alawiyah remarried. Her husband, Mr Mohamed Mazli Mhd Noor, has been a strong pillar of support in raising her children.

“Now I don’t feel so burdened. We share the load. I’m grateful – he even attended school events and cheered the kids on,” she said.

For her resilience and unwavering dedication, Ms Alawiyah was on May 24 honoured with the Ibu Tabah Award: Mdm Halimah Yacob Challenge Shield by Ain Society.

Her message to other mothers facing hardship?

“Don’t be afraid. Be confident, be strong, and be patient. If we fall, who will take care of our children? Believe in yourself, and keep going for their sake. Every step you take is a victory.”

By: Teo Yan Ting