**SINGAPORE**: At first glance, 27-year-old Afif Yusli might appear just like any other young adult—vibrant, full of life, and brimming with enthusiasm for the future. Little do most people know that beneath this exterior lies a courageous battle against glioblastoma, a formidable grade four brain tumor diagnosed just months ago.

Despite his diagnosis, Afif moves with a remarkable agility and possesses an infectious charm that quickly draws people in. He navigates conversations with humility, often pausing to reflect on the right words, a subtle reminder of the challenges he faces. "Some days I'm just... okay-ish," he admits, revealing a refreshing and candid perspective on his experience with cancer.

In April, the grim prognosis of his diagnosis hit him hard: the average survival rate after diagnosis is just 12 to 18 months, while his doctors have given him a window of 18 to 24 months. Yet, in the face of such uncertainty, Afif’s acceptance of his situation stands out. Emotional tales emerge when he reflects on the loss of his beloved grandmother and the implications of his illness on his aging parents. "Sometimes, in the quiet of the night, the thought of death creeps in," he shares, disclosing a vulnerability that strikes a chord.

Afif's health battles began several years prior during his National Service, with intermittent headaches and neurological issues that he dismissed as stress. However, after a seizure in December 2023 spurred him into action, an MRI revealed the life-altering news: a tumor nestled in his brain. He underwent surgery that left him speechless and unable to walk—an ordeal that tested his mettle.

Despite these setbacks, Afif's spirit remained unbroken. He quickly sought physical therapy and regained his ability to walk, achieving milestones he once thought were impossible. However, the diagnosis of glioblastoma changed everything. "I thought, 'Damn,' and the gravity of the moment sunk in," Afif recalls, depicting a painful period compounded by family turmoil, including his father’s heart bypass surgery and the death of his grandmother whom he held dear.

The initial months post-diagnosis were dark. "I fell into depression, and I started counting down the days," he reflects somberly. But the love of family and a spiritual awakening began to pull him from despair. "I leaned into my faith, started praying more, and allowed myself to feel hope again," Afif recounts, shedding light on his transformative journey toward positivity.

Now, rather than being consumed by fear of death, Afif embraces life more fully. He has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to help with his medical expenses, raising around S$4,000 of a S$35,000 goal as of mid-November. With financial support from friends and family, he continues to pursue his dream of completing his film diploma, pausing to create a poignant film inspired by his experiences with cancer. "I want to raise awareness about young cancer patients and inspire hope," he states passionately.

Despite the harsh reality of a terminal illness, Afif’s focus remains on family—strengthening bonds with shared meals and vacations, something he cherishes more deeply now. "Before my illness, I was so busy. Now, every moment with them feels precious," he shares, a testament to the transformation he has undergone through adversity.

With an ever-looming awareness of his mortality, Afif has contemplated end-of-life decisions, wanting to ease the burden on his family. Yet he remains grounded, finding solace in the support and love surrounding him, persuading him that even amid the shadow of cancer, moments of joy, connection, and purpose can still flourish.

Mr. Afif Yusli's journey is a stirring reminder that, in the face of life's greatest challenges, positivity, family, and a sense of purpose can illuminate even the darkest of times.