Ramona Opens Up About Father’s Health Battle, Says Time With Loved Ones Should Never Be Taken for Granted
KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Actress Ramona Zam Zam has shared the emotional challenges she has faced while caring for her father, revealing that one of her greatest regrets is not spending more time with him before his health deteriorated.
Despite continuing with her acting career and recently returning to television through the drama Wish List, Ramona said life behind the scenes has been far more difficult than many people realise.
The actress explained that her father, Mohd Zamzam, suffered a stroke following heart surgery carried out about two years ago. Since then, the family has been navigating a demanding period marked by frequent hospital visits, ongoing medical treatment and constant caregiving responsibilities.
Although audiences often see her smiling during promotional appearances and filming sessions, Ramona said maintaining a positive attitude has required tremendous emotional strength.
She believes professionalism is an important part of her work and tries not to allow personal difficulties to affect those around her while on set.
According to Ramona, acting requires complete focus, making it necessary to temporarily set aside her personal worries whenever filming begins.
She said life must continue despite difficult circumstances, as she still has responsibilities towards her family, career and child.
Ramona described the months following her father’s surgery as one of the most challenging periods her family has experienced.
Watching him struggle emotionally after his health declined was particularly painful, prompting her to step away from acting for a period so she could devote more time to supporting him and assisting her mother with his daily care.
She recalled that her father found it difficult to accept the dramatic changes in his condition, often becoming emotional as he adjusted to his new reality.
Today, Ramona said his condition continues to require close monitoring.
In addition to reduced mobility, his memory has deteriorated significantly.
There are moments when he recognises family members, while at other times he struggles to remember even his own children.
For Ramona, witnessing those changes has become one of the hardest aspects of caring for him.
She admitted that the experience has left her with a deep sense of regret.
Although she always believed she had spent enough time with her father in the past, she now realises she wishes she had shared more moments with him while he was healthier.
The actress said serious illness often changes a family’s perspective, making people appreciate the value of ordinary moments that may once have seemed routine.
Medical specialists have informed the family that her father’s overall condition may continue to decline because of complications following the unsuccessful heart procedure.
While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his future, Ramona said the family continues to rely on faith and hopes for the best while supporting him through each stage of his recovery journey.
Returning to acting, she explained, was not simply about resuming her career.
Instead, it became an important emotional outlet that helped her manage the stress and sadness she had been carrying throughout the family’s ordeal.
Performing, she said, allows her to regain a sense of balance while continuing to fulfil her responsibilities at home.
Reflecting on her experience, Ramona encouraged others to cherish the time they have with their parents while they are still healthy.
She believes many people only realise the importance of those moments after circumstances change, and hopes her family’s experience will remind others not to postpone spending meaningful time with their loved ones.
Although balancing work and caregiving remains challenging, Ramona said she remains committed to supporting her family while continuing to pursue the career she loves, drawing strength from both her profession and those closest to her
