‘Samuel Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze opens to public for free from 27 to 29 September
SIBU
27 SEPTEMBER 2024
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) officially launched the ‘Samuel Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze at Wisma Sanyan, Sibu, today as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Running from 27 to 29 September 2024, the event is free to the public and aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer while celebrating the strength and resilience of young cancer patients.
The balloon maze, featuring life-sized balloon sculptures, tells the real-life story of Samuel, who was diagnosed with cancer at just three and a half years old. The maze traces his journey from early symptoms and diagnosis through treatment, remission, and survivorship.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government II, YB Datuk Michael Tiang (程明智), officiated the launch, joined by representatives from event sponsors Grolite Group—Mr. Aaron Song (孙颜宸), Director, and Ms. Sandra Song (孙杺頣), Business Development Manager—alongside Encik Mohammad Yakub Bin Mohammad Tufail, Executive Director of Wisma Sanyan, the venue sponsor, and SCCS President, Mary Kiu Ai Ling (邱爱玲). Aaron Soon Photography also supported the event as an event partner.
“This balloon maze represents their journey – the twists, the turns, the moments of uncertainty, and the victories along the way. It also stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that with awareness, support, and love, we can make this difficult road a little easier for them,” said Kiu, who highlighted the importance of spreading awareness about childhood cancer.
She further emphasised that public awareness of childhood cancer symptoms can lead to early diagnosis, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
The Balloon Maze series began in 2018 with ‘Ali Beats Cancer’ in Kuching, followed by ‘Anna Beats Cancer’ in 2019. After a pandemic pause, the event returned last year in Miri with ‘Aisyah Beats Cancer.’ This year’s maze is based on the story of Samuel, a young boy from Miri who endured over a year of treatment in Kuching, separated from his father and baby sister. Today, Samuel is a healthy, energetic 6-year-old, back in school and thriving.
The event also serves to highlight the vital support SCCS provides to children with cancer, including financial aid, medical assistance, and comprehensive care, ensuring every child receives the best possible treatment.
The ‘Samuel Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze is open to the public until Sunday, 29 September 2024. For more details, visit www.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
