Girl with big tumor needs aid

JAKARTA (JP): A 13-year-old village girl in Lampung has been suffering from a tumor that has grown larger than her head.

Lasmi has had the tumor on her head since she was one, according to her parents, Sakimo, 61, and Ngabikem, 55.

The couple have eight children and live in northern Lampung in the district of Tulangbawang Udik.

Sukimo has never brought his youngest daughter to doctor because he is too poor to afford the doctor's bill, Antara reported yesterday.

Sukimo said his daughter's tumor was so small at first that he ignored it until the tumor started to steadily grow. It now is bigger than her head.

"With a one hectare farm as our only source of income, it is impossible for us to bring her to the hospital," he said.

According to her parents, Lasmi has no serious complaints, except minor headaches she can get rid of with over-the-counter medicine. (pan)