Latest news with #SarawakChildren'sCancerSociety
Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
SCCS renews plea for support as medical aid spending for child cancer patients to surpass RM1.5 mln
Kiu embraces a shavee during the GoBald 2025 main event in Kuching. KUCHING (Aug 20): The Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) is facing its highest-ever medical aid expenditure this year, with anticipated spending expected to surpass RM1.5 million as more families seek support for costly childhood cancer treatments. Its president Mary Kiu said the surge in medical aid requests reflects the increasingly heavy financial burden faced by families whose children are battling cancer. 'Each year, about 50 to 70 children in Sarawak are diagnosed with cancer. While childhood cancer is considered rare, its impact is devastating. 'Beyond the emotional toll, the financial burden of certain life-saving treatments can reach hundreds of thousands of ringgit—far beyond the means of most families,' she said in a statement. She said in May this year, SCCS sponsored RM496,974 for immunotherapy treatment of a child named Ariyana at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Specialist Children's Hospital in Kuala Lumpur. 'For Ariyana and her family, this nearly half-a-million-ringgit support offered not just treatment but renewed hope,' said Kiu. She shared that SCCS is now preparing to fund medical sponsorships for four more children: a six-year-old patient diagnosed with relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia; a five-year-old with relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia; a one-year-old with metastatic neuroblastoma; and a six-year-old with metastatic neuroblastoma. 'Together, these sponsorships add up to nearly RM1 million in additional medical costs this year. 'These figures are not abstract numbers. Each ringgit represents a child's fight for survival, a family's hope, and a community's shared responsibility,' she said. While SCCS has always committed to covering treatment costs, Kiu cautioned that the unpredictability of medical expenses makes long-term sustainability a challenge. 'We cannot wait until a need arises to start fundraising. We must always be prepared, because cancer does not wait.' With Childhood Cancer Awareness Month approaching in September, SCCS is calling on the public and corporate partners to step forward. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up as monthly donors under the society's Heart of Gold Monthly Donation Programme, contribute through one-off donations, or support through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. 'Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that when the next child needs urgent treatment, SCCS can say 'yes' without hesitation. 'Together, we can shoulder this burden so that families can focus on what matters most—helping their child get better,' said Kiu. Those who wish to donate are welcome to visit to sign up as a monthly donor under the Heart of Gold Monthly Donation Programme, or to make a one-off contribution. Members of the public or corporations interested in donating or engaging in CSR projects may contact the SCCS team on 082-686276, via Facebook (@sccsmy), or email to [email protected] .
The Star
31-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Shaving heads to raise RM24,107 for children with cancer
THE grandfather of a child with cancer was among 35 people who shaved their heads to raise RM24,107 during the Sibu leg of GoBald 2025 in Sarawak. The event is part of an annual awareness and fundraising campaign by Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) in support of paediatric oncology patients. A strong turnout from the local community led to a collection past the RM10,000 target. 'We have also received generous support from local businesses, including a RM5,000 donation from Joco Lico Bridal and RM3,000 from Tanahmas Hotel, demonstrating the strong community spirit in Sibu,' said SCCS president Mary Kiu. Each shaved head, she said, represented a bold gesture of solidarity with children battling cancer. 'This year's theme of 'Leave Your Mark' is a powerful call for people to make a visible, lasting impact in the lives of children and their carers who are affected by the disease. 'Each person who shaved their head today has made their mark – not only on their heads but also on the hearts of the children we serve,' Kiu added. SCCS has spent more than RM647,000 to support 44 children and their families with essential medical needs. These include specialised medication, medical consumables, diagnostic scans and lab tests. The society anticipates patients' medical-related expenses to reach an unprecedented RM1.5mil in 2025 alone. SCCS has also supported 27 families with financial aid of more than RM43,000, and subsidised transport costs amounting to RM41,000 to ensure 37 affected families have access to care. 'The overall GoBald 2025 campaign aims to raise RM1mil and shave 400 heads in solidarity with children facing cancer,' said Kiu. Since its founding in 2001, SCCS has supported over 1,700 families across Sarawak, thanks to the generosity of donors and partners. Organisations interested in hosting a satellite shave or exploring corporate social responsibility opportunities with SCCS can call 011-3927 6553, or email em1@
Borneo Post
28-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
‘My family was my pillar of strength,' shares 20-year-old cancer survivor
Danniel (right) and his mother, Dayang Siti Norhayati Awang Ejay, make the 'Love' gesture. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 28): Muhammad Danniel Aieman Irwandi, a cancer survivor, recounts how he fought his way to complete his secondary school education. He was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 15, when he was in Form 3. 'At first, we were shocked and found it hard to accept the reality, but eventually we came to terms with it,' shared Danniel, now 20 years old, at the GoBald 2025 satellite shave event held at Tanahmas Hotel here yesterday. He said the main challenge in battling brain cancer was chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy, which was quite a painful process. 'However, I overcame the ordeal with my family's support as they are my pillar of strength. Since day one when I was diagnosed with cancer, they supported and comforted me. 'They told me that with proper treatment, I would recover,' he said. He disclosed that on his maternal side, there have been three cancer patients—his grandfather, an uncle and an aunt. Tragically, his grandfather and uncle have passed away. Danniel also shared that he received assistance from the Sarawak Children's Cancer Society, as well as some sweet memories. On his current health condition, he said he completed secondary school in 2023 and was 'living a normal life now'. To children battling cancer, Danniel advised them not to give up and to continue soldiering on. 'I have learned every moment of our life is meaningful and precious, and every opportunity received must not be wasted.' cancer survivor community GoBald lead
Borneo Post
27-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Over RM24,000 raised at GoBald 2025 satellite event in Sibu
Dr Wong gets his head shaved during the GoBald 2025 satellite event in Sibu. SIBU (July 27): Over RM24,000 was raised during the GoBald 2025 satellite event at Tanahmas Hotel here today, where a total of 35 heads were shaved in connection with this signature campaign of Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS). In a press statement, the organisation said the amount surpassed the initial target of RM10,000. 'Each shaved head represents a bold gesture of solidarity with children battling cancer in Sarawak. 'All proceeds will go directly to the SCCS to support children undergoing treatment and their families. 'The first two to have their heads shaved were Irang Ugas grandfather of a childhood cancer patient; and Dr Wong Chya Wei, a 10-time GoBald participant and a top fundraiser — both setting the tone for a meaningful and emotional event,' said the society. It added that the event received generous support from local businesses, including a RM5,000 donation from Joco Lico Bridal and RM3,000 from Tanahmas Hotel. Dr Wong is a regular volunteer of the GoBald campaign. – Photo by Peter Boon The satellite event was part of SCCS' signature GoBald campaign, touted as the largest and only head-shaving fundraiser in Sarawak. 'This year's theme, 'Leave Your Mark', is about the courage to stand out for a cause that matters,' said SCCS president Mary Kiu. 'Each person who shaved today, made their mark – not only on their heads, but also on the hearts of the children whom we serve. 'We're deeply moved by Sibu's response and thankful to Tanahmas Hotel for hosting this meaningful event.' As of June 30, 2025, there have been 24 new cases of childhood cancer diagnosed in Sarawak. SCCS has spent more than RM647,000 to support 44 children and their families with essential medical needs, including specialised medication, medical consumables, diagnostic scans, as well as laboratory tests, and anticipates incurring an unprecedented RM1.5 million in medical-related expenses in this year alone. Overall, the GoBald 2025 campaign aims to raise RM1 million and shave 400 heads in solidarity with children facing cancer. Since its founding in 2001, SCCS has supported over 1,700 families across Sarawak, thanks to the generosity of donors and partners. When met during the event, Dr Wong said his first GoBald participation was in 2016. SCCS events and marketing manager Genevieve Tan (second left) holds the mock cheque for RM3,000, contributed to the SCCS by Tanahmas Hotel, which is represented in the photo-call by (from left) Vincent Wong, Yulia Sepiani Pang and Ellis Chew. 'I have been taking part since, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Of course, during the pandemic, we could not gather in big numbers. 'So, what we did was going individually to the appointed hair saloon, and then got shaved, and after that, uploaded our photos (on the assigned social media). 'I found the experience quite mind-engaging, as it made us realise that there are many unfortunate children who are facing challenges. 'They not only endure the mental strain of the illness itself, bas their families have to manage significant expenses. 'I understand that cancer treatment is not cheap, so we're doing whatever we can to support them. 'So I think that's one of the important stimulants that keeps me going, and I hope that as long as I have hair, I would be able to continue with this,' said Dr Wong. Organisations interested in hosting a satellite shave or exploring corporate social responsibility (CSR) opportunities with SCCS can call 011-3927 6553, or connect via [email protected] . charity Dr Wong Chya Wei GoBald Sarawak Children's Cancer Society
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
SCCS aims for RM1 mln and 400 shaves in GoBald 2025
A participant shaved his head in solidarity with children battling cancer at a recent GoBald event in Kuching. KUCHING (July 2): The Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) aims to raise RM1 million and have 400 individuals shave their heads through its GoBald event this year. In a press release, SCCs said it records between 50 to 70 new childhood cancer cases in the state each year. SCCS explained it requires approximately RM2 million annually to sustain its services, with over 70 per cent of funds directly benefiting affected children through medical sponsorships, financial aid, and specialised treatment. 'In 2024, SCCS incurred RM2.9 million in expenses, a 43 per cent increase from the previous year, largely due to critical medical aid support exceeding RM500,000. 'As of May this year, SCCS has already spent approximately RM590,000 to support 33 children and their families with essential medical needs, including specialised medication, consumables, laboratory tests, and diagnostic scans. This includes over RM496,000 in support of five-year-old Ariyana from Miri, who is battling neuroblastoma and recently underwent a bone marrow transplant and immunotherapy,' said SCCS. According to SCCS, an estimated eight more children will benefit from specialised drugs sponsored by the organisation. Amongst them are two more young patients: a five-year-old boy from Serian and a one-year-old girl from Kuching — both scheduled to undergo immunotherapy in the second half of the year. SCCS said these advanced treatments offer renewed hope of improving their treatment journeys and significantly increasing their chances of survival. 'SCCS is projected to incur an unprecedented RM1.5 million in medical-related expenses in 2025 alone,'it added. SCCS also shared this year's GoBald theme, 'Leave Your Mark', is a powerful call to action and an invitation for individuals to make a lasting impact. 'Funds raised will go toward providing critical medical aid, psychosocial support, and financial assistance to young cancer patients across Sarawak,' it added. On a related matter, SCCS said a satellite shave hosted by long-time supporter Tanahmas Hotel, initially scheduled for July 6, has now been postponed to July 27. It explained that the rescheduling aims to allow more time for the Sibu community to participate and show their support for this meaningful cause. 'Through the event, Tanahmas Hotel hopes to raise RM10,000 in support of SCCS's services for children and families affected by childhood cancer,' it added. GoBald lead Sarawak Children's Cancer Society
