KUCHING
24 NOVEMBER 2024
Since March 2024, the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) has funded RM50,390 for upgrades to the facilities at the Paediatric Oncology Ward at Sarawak General Hospital, following a thorough inspection as well as discussions with the medical team to identify the need to enhance the ward’s conditions and improve the overall treatment experience for young cancer patients.
Ward 2A at the Paediatric Oncology Ward serves as the central treatment hub for children under 18 diagnosed with cancer from across Sarawak. The ward typically accommodates 15 to 20 patients under active treatment, with capacity reaching up to 28 at peak times.
“SCCS is deeply committed to supporting Sarawak’s children with cancer, not only through medical and financial aid but also by creating a comfortable, supportive environment within the treatment space. We believe a positive atmosphere benefits the child, their caregivers, and the dedicated medical staff, contributing to a holistic healing journey,” shared Mary Kiu (邱爱玲), President of SCCS.
Among the upgrades are a washing machine and dryer, each valued at RM5,500, a water purifier worth RM4,500, four units of water heaters worth RM4,890 and five air conditioners with a combined value of RM30,000.
These improvements follow previous investments by SCCS in 2023, of which over RM 86,000 funded three new air purifying units for Ward 2A; renovations to enhance the waiting area at the Paediatric Daycare in Bintulu General Hospital; as well as providing flooring replacement in Sibu Hospital’s Paediatric Ward and Isolation Rooms, to significantly reduce infection risks.
As a non-profit, SCCS incurs annual expenses of approximately RM2 million, with 50-60% of the Society’s funding derived from public donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships. SCCS also offers essential support services such as financial assistance for families, accommodation, meals, transport, counselling, recreational activities, and care packages to assist new patients in adjusting to life in the ward.
Since 2001, SCCS has provided vital support to over 1,700 families across Sarawak, thanks to the community’s generosity and corporate collaborations. Businesses or organisations interested in CSR partnerships are invited to connect with SCCS at +60 11-3927 6553 or via email at em1@sccs.org.my. For further information, 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
