KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Nurfazrina Mohd Zamri can never forget that fateful day in 2006 when she fell on the slippery floor of a hostel at Kolej Multimedia in Taiping.

The final-year diploma student had got up and resumed walking as there was little pain.

But what she did not know then was that she had sustained a fracture of her left knee which would lead to a shocking discovery later -- cancer of the same knee.

The 24-year-old recalled that she did not think too much of the fall, continuing with her daily routine.

However, some weeks later, she could not walk properly and sought treatment at Taiping Hospital.

"The doctor did a routine check and gave me some ointment to apply. I was told to go back after three months for a check-up," she said.

She was subsequently busy with preparations for examinations and did not follow up with doctors at the hospital.

She left for Rembau, Negri Sembilan, after her examinations with a nagging pain in her left knee.

Some time later, she told her mother, Fazilah Abdullah, about a prickling sensation in her left leg.

"My mother consulted my uncle Aman Sheh Arshad about my problem. He suggested that I go for traditional massage. So I went for two treatments but felt more pain after that."

What she had not known was that a tumour below the knee that was getting bigger was the source of the problem.

By then, it was time for Nurfazrina to go back to college in Taiping but she could not enrol for compulsory co-curricular activities due to the nagging pain and swelling of the leg.

She returned to Taiping Hospital to get an exemption letter but doctors examining her did an X-ray which clearly showed the growth in her left knee.

"I was then referred to the orthopaedic department at Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, for further treatment."

Dr Wan Faisham Wan Ismail of the Reconstructive Oncology Unit confirmed that Nurfazrina was suffering from "proximal tibia giant cell tumour", or bone cancer, on her left leg below the knee.

He recommended immediate surgery to replace the diseased bone as a delay could mean losing her leg.

Nurfazrina underwent surgery two weeks later and was discharged 10 days later.

She remembers the New Straits Times coming to her aid when she needed money for the RM32,000 operation.

She said her mother, who earned RM991 a month as a factory worker, was also supporting an older daughter, Nurul Ziriah, a final-year student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi.

"Dr Wan Faisham told me about the NSTP general fund that offered monetary assistance to patients like me."

NSTP charity unit senior executive Aidah Nordin arranged for a public appeal to be reported in the NST and Berita Harian in April 2007.

"I am grateful to NST readers for raising the required sum of money for my operation. This has given me a chance to lead a normal life."

Those who wish to help similar cases can send their cheques, made payable to The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, to: The Cashier, Finance Department/Charity Unit, The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, Balai Berita, No. 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.