SIBU
23 SEPTEMBER 2024
In conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) is bringing the highly anticipated Balloon Maze to Sibu for the first time, titled ‘Samuel Beats Cancer’, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise public awareness of childhood cancer.
The maze will be open from 27 to 29 September 2024, from 10am to 10pm at Wisma Sanyan, Sibu.
Inspired by the true story of Samuel, a young boy from Miri diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at only three and a half years old, the maze illustrates his journey as a childhood cancer patient together with his family, navigating the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, remission, and survivorship. Through life-sized balloon sculptures, the maze also seeks to educate the public on the early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, while highlighting the vital support services SCCS offers to families in need.
Entrance to the maze is free, and the public is encouraged to visit and show their support.
This marks SCCS’s fourth balloon maze event, with previous editions held in Kuching and Miri. The first maze, ‘Ali Beats Cancer’, was held in Kuching in 2018, followed by ‘Anna Beats Cancer’ in 2019, and ‘Aisyah Beats Cancer’ in Miri last year.
“We are thrilled to bring the Balloon Maze to Sibu for the first time. It’s not only a fun and interactive way for families to engage but also an opportunity to raise awareness of childhood cancer across Sarawak. I look forward to seeing the community come together in support of these brave children and their families,” said SCCS President Mary Kiu Ai Ling (邱爱玲).
The ‘Samuel Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze is proudly sponsored by Grolite Group, who recently raised over RM77,000 through their GoBald satellite shave event, with 27 heads shaved in solidarity with children fighting cancer. YB Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government II, Sarawak, is set to officiate the event’s launch on Friday, 27th September. The event is further supported by Wisma Sanyan as the venue sponsor and Aaron Soon Photography as the event partner.
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
