KUCHING
16 OCTOBER 2024
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the MDRT Foundation for a generous grant of USD 5,000 (approximately RM23,500), which helped fund the SCCS Survivors Youth Camp, a program that holds deep importance in the lives of childhood cancer survivors across Sarawak.
The SCCS Survivors Youth Camp is not just an event—it is a transformative experience designed to uplift and empower young cancer survivors, many of whom are still grappling with the emotional and physical effects of their journey. This camp offers a safe space where survivors can build friendships, develop resilience, and gain the confidence needed to navigate life after cancer.
“This camp is a critical part of our Survivorship Program, offering our young survivors the chance to build confidence, forge friendships, and prepare for life beyond cancer. The MDRT Foundation’s generous support allows us to continue providing this essential experience, ensuring that each child leaves with a sense of empowerment and hope for the future. We are truly grateful for their commitment to our cause and for helping us create opportunities for these brave youths,” said Mary Kiu (邱爱玲), President of SCCS.
Youth Camp 2024 took place in September, coinciding with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, making it a particularly meaningful time for this gathering. Embracing the theme “Breakthrough: Breaking Barriers, Unleashing Potential,” the camp focused on helping participants push beyond their comfort zones and discover their inner strengths. Over three days and two nights, the camp brought together around 65 participants, including 34 cancer survivors from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and visitors from YASKA Brunei. Many of the older survivors returned as volunteers, sharing their journeys and guiding their peers, creating a powerful atmosphere of connection and inspiration.
For these young survivors, many of whom are now in secondary school or preparing for tertiary education, the challenges of their cancer journey often linger. Through the Youth Camp, SCCS hopes to equip them with the tools to face those challenges, build resilience, and inspire them to continue striving toward their dreams.
Among the highlights was a session with Kim Loong, a childhood cancer survivor who has transformed his journey into a story of resilience and success. Now a trainer for corporate companies and a proud father, Kim shared his experiences of overcoming cancer, providing hope and motivation to the young participants. Another key session was led by Dr. Betty, the head of paediatric oncology at Sarawak General Hospital, who emphasised the importance of monitoring the late effects of childhood cancer treatment and maintaining a balanced diet. These sessions, along with other interactive activities, aimed to empower young survivors and their families with knowledge, encouragement, and practical guidance for life beyond cancer.
As the camp came to a close, it left behind bittersweet farewells and joyful memories. The participants returned home with new friendships, strengthened spirits, and a renewed sense of hope, ready to face whatever comes next. SCCS is eager to support these young individuals in continuing to thrive and grow into adulthood.
Since 2001, SCCS has provided essential support to over 1,700 families throughout Sarawak, thanks to the generosity of public donations and corporate partnerships. Businesses or organisations interested in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects or hosting GoBald satellite shaves are invited to connect with SCCS at +60 11-3927 6553 or via email at em1@sccs.org.my. For more information, please visit https://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 1,700 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
