(Kuching, 20th) About 50 to 70 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in Sarawak.
Although childhood cancer is a rare disease, its impact is extremely grave. Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) Chairperson Mary Kiu pointed out that the society is facing the highest-ever medical aid expenditure this year.
She stated that the society expects its medical aid spending for 2025 to exceed RM 1.5 million, setting a historic record, and thus urgently calls for public support.
Mary Kiu has witnessed, over many years, the resilience of young cancer patients and the heavy financial burdens borne by their families.
“Aside from the emotional blow, the cost of some life-saving treatments can reach hundreds of thousands of ringgit, far beyond what most families can bear,” she said in a press release on the 19th (Tuesday) of this month.
She added that, as always, SCCS will help shoulder these costs, but the challenge lies in the unpredictability of medical expenses, which can surge overnight, making long-term sustainability difficult.
For example, in May this year, SCCS provided financial assistance totaling RM 496,974 for a patient named Ariyana to undergo immunotherapy at the Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak UKM (HPKK).
For Ariyana and her family, this nearly RM 500,000 in aid not only offered a chance at treatment, but also sparked new hope.
The society is also preparing to provide medical aid for another four children, including a 6-year-old patient with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a 5-year-old patient with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a 1-year-old infant with metastatic neuroblastoma, and another 6-year-old child with metastatic neuroblastoma.
The combined medical assistance for these four cases amounts to nearly RM 1 million in additional expenses.
“These figures are not abstract — they represent children’s fight for survival, the hope of families, and a shared responsibility across the entire community,” Mary Kiu emphasized.
With Childhood Cancer Awareness Month approaching this September, the SCCS calls on the public and corporate partners to step forward.
The society encourages the public to register as long-term donors through the ‘Be a Heart of Gold’ monthly donation program, or to support via corporate social responsibility (CSR) collaborations or one-time donations.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, ensures that when a child urgently needs treatment, SCCS can say ‘yes’ without hesitation,” she said.
Those wishing to donate can visit https://sccs.org.my/get-involved/donate/
to take part in the ‘Heart of Gold’ monthly donation program or make a one-off contribution.
Individuals or companies interested in donating or participating in CSR projects may also contact SCCS at 082-686276, Facebook @sccsmy, or email cm1@sccs.ongmy
.
Although childhood cancer is a rare disease, its impact is extremely grave. Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) Chairperson Mary Kiu pointed out that the society is facing the highest-ever medical aid expenditure this year.
She stated that the society expects its medical aid spending for 2025 to exceed RM 1.5 million, setting a historic record, and thus urgently calls for public support.
Mary Kiu has witnessed, over many years, the resilience of young cancer patients and the heavy financial burdens borne by their families.
“Aside from the emotional blow, the cost of some life-saving treatments can reach hundreds of thousands of ringgit, far beyond what most families can bear,” she said in a press release on the 19th (Tuesday) of this month.
She added that, as always, SCCS will help shoulder these costs, but the challenge lies in the unpredictability of medical expenses, which can surge overnight, making long-term sustainability difficult.
For example, in May this year, SCCS provided financial assistance totaling RM 496,974 for a patient named Ariyana to undergo immunotherapy at the Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak UKM (HPKK).
For Ariyana and her family, this nearly RM 500,000 in aid not only offered a chance at treatment, but also sparked new hope.
The society is also preparing to provide medical aid for another four children, including a 6-year-old patient with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a 5-year-old patient with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a 1-year-old infant with metastatic neuroblastoma, and another 6-year-old child with metastatic neuroblastoma.
The combined medical assistance for these four cases amounts to nearly RM 1 million in additional expenses.
“These figures are not abstract — they represent children’s fight for survival, the hope of families, and a shared responsibility across the entire community,” Mary Kiu emphasized.
With Childhood Cancer Awareness Month approaching this September, the SCCS calls on the public and corporate partners to step forward.
The society encourages the public to register as long-term donors through the ‘Be a Heart of Gold’ monthly donation program, or to support via corporate social responsibility (CSR) collaborations or one-time donations.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, ensures that when a child urgently needs treatment, SCCS can say ‘yes’ without hesitation,” she said.
Those wishing to donate can visit https://sccs.org.my/get-involved/donate/
to take part in the ‘Heart of Gold’ monthly donation program or make a one-off contribution.
Individuals or companies interested in donating or participating in CSR projects may also contact SCCS at 082-686276, Facebook @sccsmy, or email cm1@sccs.ongmy
.