‘Aisyah Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze opens to public for free from 22 to 24 September
MIRI
22 SEPTEMBER 2023
Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) launched its ‘Aisyah Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze 2023 today at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall in Miri as part of its focused efforts in heightening public awareness of childhood cancer while celebrating the resilience and courage of all childhood cancer patients.
The maze, held in conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, will run for three days, from 22 to 24 September 2023, 10am to 10pm. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in September to shed light on the challenges faced by children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Featuring life-sized balloon sculptures, the 1,596 sqft maze tells the journey and challenges of a child diagnosed with cancer, from symptoms detection, official diagnosis, active treatment, through to remission and survivorship. Visitors also stand a chance to redeem a surprise gift by completing a quiz at the maze.
Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew (陈超耀), who is one of the event sponsors, officiated at today’s launching ceremony. Joining him were SCCS Immediate Past President, Jocelyn Hee (许美芳); SCCS Event and Marketing Manager, Genevieve Tan (陈诗云); and Director for De Jackie Inspirations, Jackie Tan (陈秀凤).
The event, organised in collaboration with De Jackie Inspirations, was also sponsored by Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang Ming Tee, with Permaisuri Imperial City Mall and DK Photography supporting as venue sponsor and event partner respectively.
Commenting on the initiative, SCCS President Rodney Wong (黄启庆) shared the importance of childhood cancer organisations and support groups in driving awareness campaigns and events to educate the public about the different aspects of childhood cancer.
“It is our responsibility, and those with a stronger voice, to encourage more open discourse and sharing of a child’s cancer journey and its challenges, the mindset shifts necessary to break the taboo and misconceptions about childhood cancer. This greater awareness will lead to a more informed and compassionate society getting more involved in local advocacy efforts,” Wong said.
He further highlighted that raised consciousness of the signs and symptoms can also lead to early diagnosis which can significantly improve treatment outcome for a child.
SCCS organised the first of its Balloon Maze series in Kuching in 2018, titled ‘Ali Beats Cancer’ to commence a signature awareness campaign aimed at igniting a conversation on childhood cancer to progress greater support for affected children and families in Sarawak. The second maze known as ‘Anna Beats Cancer’ was held in Kuching in 2019, and the third one carried out this year in Miri was inspired by a true childhood cancer patient named Aisyah Adlina.
“Based on a real-life story, this year’s balloon maze is about a young girl from the Belawai town in Sibu. In 2018, Aisyah was diagnosed with a type of bone cancer when she was nine (9) years old. During her treatment at Sarawak General Hospital, Aisyah and her mother found shelter and support at SCCS halfway home in Kuching,” Wong shared.
“Despite the many hardships, Aisyah overcame cancer with courage, resilience and hope. She is 14 years old this year, and is an inspiration to us all,” he added.
The balloon maze is also a showcase of the various support and essential services provided by SCCS, including providing financial and medical aid to ensure children with cancer have access to the best available treatment and care. One of the maze highlights includes a video clip of Aisyah sharing her life after cancer, her dream and her encouragement to all childhood cancer patients. Visitors can scan a QR code within the maze to watch the video.
Entry to the ‘Aisyah Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze is free to all at the Permaisuri Imperial City Mall, from 10am to 10pm. The last day to visit is on Sunday, 24 September 2023. For more information, visit www.sccs.org.my.
