Lau: First-time participation in GoBald motivated by past experiences
SIBU (June 16): This year's GoBald 2025 campaign holds a special meaning for Councillor Kevin Lau, who decided to have his head shaved for the first time yesterday in support for children suffering from cancer.
The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman described his participation during a private event here as an emotional one closely related to past experiences with young cancer patients.
'During my time serving as Sibu Hospital Board of Visitors chairman, I saw firsthand the difficulties faced by families of children with cancer. At that time, I often met with the parents of children undergoing treatment.
'The hospital had also requested financial assistance from us, especially to cover the cost of transporting patients from Sibu to Kuching or Kuala Lumpur for immediate treatment,' he said.
Recalling the difficulties faced by the families of patients, Lau said this included how their children had to undergo intensive treatment and the emotional burden borne by their parents.
He added that the experience left a deep impression on him that remains in his memory to this day.
'I sympathise with them. Today, on Father's Day, I feel a deeper connection with all these parents,' he said.
The private event, held in conjunction with Father's Day, saw Lau's head shaved by Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) honorary advisor Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon Chan.
He lauded SCCS for successfully organising GoBald and other programmes every year to raise awareness on childhood cancer and encourage people to donate for a good cause.
'GoBald is not just symbolic, but a message of hope for those directly involved. This event is not only to raise awareness, but also to give hope to parents and strength to the children.
'They face various challenges during treatment and need high spirits. With continued support, adequate funds and medical care, they can recover and lead normal lives,' he said.
He highlighted that children undergoing cancer treatment are often isolated from their peers and unable to lead normal lives.
'That is why I find this experience a very meaningful one, and I really hope that GoBald continues to receive strong support from all parties this year.'
Lau also praised the hard work of SCCS and called on more individuals and parents to join their effort to raise awareness on childhood cancer.
'I know there are many people and parents out there who are very concerned about the plight of these children. I hope we can all continue to work together to raise awareness and bring hope to their lives,' he said.
Meanwhile, Lorna said the GoBald campaign has proven effective in raising public awareness.
'We work with certain individuals who usually keep their hair short. When they let it grow for a year and then shave it off, people start asking is they are okay or if they are sick.
'This is because not everyone knows the real reason. Maybe they think it's just a fashion. But when they know the reason, it indirectly raises awareness.
'So, when people see Kevin, they will know that he is one individual who has played a significant role in raising awareness about childhood cancer,' she said. cancer patient community fund raising GoBald Kevin Lau lead
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