Thalassemia patient’s dream of becoming chef fulfilled

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 3): Hyatt Regency Kinabalu has made 17-year-old Wezreil Noel’s dream of becoming a chef come true.

Wezreil, a passionate young boy from Sandakan battling Thalassemia, has always dreamed of becoming a chef, despite facing lifelong health challenges.

However, his declining health has made this dream seem more distant.

Through a meaningful collaboration between the hotel and the paediatric team at Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital, led by paediatrician Dr Ng Su Fang, Wezreil’s dream became a reality.

Welcomed by head chef Adrian and director of operations Tommy Franssila, Wezreil became ‘Chef for a Day’ at Tanjung Ria Kitchen.

Dressed in a custom chef uniform and with his own set of kitchen utensils specially gifted by the hotel, Wezreil learned new recipes, including the hotel’s signature cheese Naan, as well as pastry making, pizza crafting, noodle cooking and satay grilling.

This hands-on experience not only honed his cooking skills but also deepened his appreciation for the art of making a dish, a true testament to his passion for cooking.

Dr Ng shared her gratitude, saying, “The pediatric team at Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital would like to thank the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu team, particularly chef Adrian, for fulfilling Wezreil’s wish and helping him find purpose in life despite going through all the hardships associated with his chronic illness.

“We also appreciate your assistance in giving him the motivation to pursue his dream again and making sure the whole family enjoys a memorable stay at the hotel.”
Chef Adrian added, “It was a privilege to host Wezreil and his family. We wish him all the best in his journey to becoming a chef and encourage him to always pursue his passion, no matter the obstacles. His enthusiasm for cooking is truly inspiring, and we hope it sparks inspiration in others as well.”

This initiative exemplifies Hyatt Regency Kinabalu’s commitment to its purpose of caring for people so they can be their best.

Hyatt strives to inspire individuals to pursue their passions and achieve their goals, fostering a sense of purpose and connection within the communities it serves.

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