KUCHING
15 FEBRUARY 2025
Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) continues its commitment to childhood cancer awareness by participating in the second phase—”Inspiring Action”—of the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) campaign. This three-year global initiative, led by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and Childhood Cancer International (CCI), focuses on addressing challenges and driving impactful solutions for children with cancer worldwide.
As part of this movement, SCCS hosted its first ICCD roadshow at Sarawak General Hospital, engaging visitors throughout the day with interactive games and educational talks about childhood cancer and the crucial role SCCS plays in supporting young patients and their families. In addition, the SCCS Support Services team organised handprint activities with childhood cancer patients and their families at the Paediatric Specialist Clinic and Paediatric Ward—a tradition symbolising the courage, resilience, and hope of the children SCCS supports.
“International Childhood Cancer Day is a powerful reminder that supporting children with cancer is a collective responsibility. Cancer can affect anyone, at any time—including children. By standing together, we can make a real difference in their journey,” commented SCCS President Mary Kiu Ai Ling (邱爱玲).
Carina Schneider, Managing Director of CCI Europe, expressed that “One of CCI’s founding values is ‘We care, we share’ because the organisation’s early members believed that progress requires sharing best practices, supporting one another, and collaborating globally. By the campaign’s end, we aim to create a library of initiatives from around the world—a resource to inspire and guide others facing similar challenges.”
Following last year’s campaign phase, “Unveiling Challenges” (2024), where childhood cancer communities worldwide highlighted inequalities in treatment and care, ICCD 2025 shifts the focus toward “Inspiring Action.” This phase showcases collaborative efforts and regional initiatives that are creating meaningful change, leading into the final phase, “Demonstrating Impact” (2026).
Through this awareness campaign, SCCS aims to amplify the voices of children with cancer and their families, fostering a deeper understanding and stronger support network within the community.
Members of the public or corporations who are interested in donating or engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility projects can contact the SCCS team at 082-686276, via Facebook @sccsmy or email at em1@sccs.org.my. -ENDS
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 2024, SCCS provided more than 700 caring sessions and 36 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 40 families in 2024.
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. 46 families received financial aid in 2024, amounting to a total of RM109,500.00 while monthly transport subsidies were provided to a total amount of RM56,632.76 for 49 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. 21 medical staff received training supported by SCCS and saw over 8,000 attendees at their annual childhood cancer awareness event in 2024.
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 106 children in 2024.
Official Website: www.sccs.org.my
Facebook: fb.com/sccsmy
Instagram: @sccsmy
