KUCHING
30 JUNE 2024
GoBald 2024, the 16th edition of the largest head-shaving fundraiser in Sarawak, has raised over RM700,000 from more than 2,700 donors. As of June 2024, over 300 people in Malaysia have signed up for GoBald, with at least 260 pledges to shave their heads. This includes at least 30 participants from nine other states and federal territories across Malaysia.
Since its inception in 2009, GoBald has raised more than RM11 million, with support from over 10,000 participants across Malaysia. Organised by the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), this year’s event was held in conjunction with Cancer Survivors Month. In Kuching alone, over RM190,000 was raised, and 204 courageous participants shaved their heads at the main event at AEON Mall Kuching Central and virtually at salons.
Mary Kiu (邱爱玲), President of SCCS, stated that 60 to 70 new childhood cancer cases are recorded in Sarawak each year, not including remission and relapse cases. As of June 2024, over RM630,000 has already been spent this year on medical aid alone.
“Even for adults, cancer treatment can be incredibly challenging. What more for these children, some barely a year old, who took their first steps in the midst of cancer treatment and spoke their first words in the hospital ward. Some of them barely understand what disease they have, nor can they fully express their pain,” said Kiu.
Kiu explained the message behind this year’s theme – ‘Beacon of Hope’ – emphasising the pivotal role that ordinary individuals play as agents of hope for children with cancer and survivors. “As an organisation that relies primarily on public donations, it is through initiatives like GoBald that have enabled us to support over 1,650 families since our establishment in 2001,” Kiu added.
Both parents of a childhood cancer patient participated in the first shave, alongside Dr. Tan Wee Nee, a Paediatric Haematologist & Oncologist at Sarawak General Hospital, and Dr. Chin Yen Ming, a Paediatric Surgeon also from Sarawak General Hospital.
Dr. Tan, who learned about the GoBald event only last year, has successfully raised over RM31,000 to date in support of her patients.
“I want to feel how my patients feel. Some of our patients are teenagers, who are at the age where physical appearance is important to them, much like any of us. They don’t fear chemotherapy as much, but more so the idea of going bald. I want to let them know that Dr Tan is accompanying you too, and that I am with you. As I join this event, I also want to encourage my friends and family to do it too,” Dr Tan explained.
As the signature awareness and fundraising campaign for SCCS, all donations raised from GoBald contribute about 20% to 30% of SCCS’s total expenditure of almost RM2 million every year. Among the essential support services provided by SCCS are medical and financial aid to families in need; accommodation, food, and transportation for rural families under active treatment at its Kuching Halfway Home; organising counselling sessions and recreational activities; sponsoring medical equipment not provided in government hospitals; and providing care packs and tokens of love to help new patients adapt to life in the ward.
Registration to participate in satellite shaves is still open to businesses, organisations, and corporations wishing to partner with GoBald in raising funds for Sarawak’s childhood cancer community as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Interested organisations can contact SCCS at 082-686276 or email em1@sccs.org.my.
About Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS)
Mission: To provide care and support for Malaysian children and their families who are suffering from childhood cancer in Sarawak.
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society is a non-profit organisation founded in November 2001, dedicated to meeting the needs of families of patients diagnosed with paediatric cancer in Sarawak irrespective of race, religion, age or gender. The SCCS committee is made up of 70% patients’ parents and 30% volunteers. The Society has supported more than 1,650 children since 2001.
Our Services
Support
Through counselling sessions, home visits, support programmes, youth and family camps, and informal friendships, SCCS provides emotional and moral support to members of its community. In 2023, SCCS provided more than 800 caring sessions and 64 counselling sessions to patients and families.
Accommodation
SCCS operates a 14-bedroom Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) as a temporary living house for outstation patients, with full provision of food and amenities. Daily shuttle services are provided to and from the hospital. The home housed 37 families in 2023.
Financial Assistance
Caring for a child with cancer is beyond the means of most of the patients we serve. To families demonstrating financial need, SCCS provides monetary assistance through monthly financial subsidies, medical treatment not covered by the government and transport subsidies. 51 families received financial aid in 2023, amounting to a total of RM109,000 while monthly transport subsidies were provided to a total amount of over RM63,000 for 44 families.
Education
SCCS holds talks and campaigns to educate the public about cancer and the stigmas often attached to it. Educational and craft activities are also organised for the children to keep their minds off the treatment. SCCS also supports funding for medical staff training to allow them to provide better care for the patients. 34 medical staff received training supported by SCCS and saw over 6,400 attendees at their annual childhood cancer awareness event in 2023.
Recreation
SCCS organises outings, holiday camps, children’s parties and other activities for children and their families to heighten the spirit of the families. For children with cancer, each birthday is a victory. SCCS held birthday celebrations for 128 children at both the ward and the halfway home, in 2023.
Official Website: www.sccs.org.my
Facebook: fb.com/sccsmy
Instagram: @sccsmy
