KUCHING
27 MARCH 2026
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) today launched its annual GoBald campaign, a significant fundraising and awareness initiative for children with cancer. The launch, held at the SCCS Halfway Home, marks the commencement of the Society’s efforts to ‘Grow Hope Together’ for affected children and their families.
GoBald 2026 aims to raise RM1 million and recruit 300 participants to shave their heads. The head-shaving is a signature element of the campaign, serving as a public act of solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatment.
The launch event featured two symbolic head shaves. Orai Anak Goper participated in memory of his late 5-year-old granddaughter, Edeva, who had battled medulloblastoma. He was joined by Fidelis George, a long-time public supporter of the campaign.
This year’s campaign is especially significant as SCCS commemorates its 25th anniversary. Since its inception in 2009, GoBald has been a vital fundraising platform for SCCS, raising over RM14 million and inspiring more than 11,000 head shaves. The funds generated have been instrumental in the Society’s growth and the expansion of its support services.
In honour of its silver jubilee, SCCS is extending a special invitation to all past GoBald participants—referred to as ‘GoBald alumni’—to take part in this year’s event. The invitation encourages them to demonstrate the community’s enduring promise of support for a new generation of children.
“Every shaved head is a powerful act of compassion. It tells a child with cancer that they are not alone—that a community stands with them, sharing their journey and growing hope together,” said SCCS President, Mary Kiu Ai Ling (邱爱玲).
“Looking back on 25 years and 1,800 families supported, we are humbled by what this community has built,” added Mary Kiu. “GoBald has been the engine behind so much of this work. Our rising expenses, which saw over RM2 million spent on critical medical aid last year alone, highlight why this campaign is so vital. When a child needs urgent help, we simply cannot afford to wait.”
An estimated 50 to 70 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed in Sarawak annually. In 2025, SCCS provided substantial support, including RM2,043,838 in medical sponsorships for over 100 patients, 3,020 nights of accommodation for families requiring travel for treatment, and RM108,900 in direct monthly financial aid. As of March 2026, SCCS has already funded over RM238,000 in specialised drugs and procedures for five children this year.
SCCS acknowledges the crucial support of its sponsors and partners. Salon Partners include Ray’s Salon, Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy, Fion Hair Studio, Paul & Jennifer, Danny Saloon, and T2H Eternity Saloon. Event Partners include SOL Digital, Aaron Soon Photography, DK Photography, Village Sound, and WAK Festival (Miri) with Venue Sponsor The Hills Kuching.
Individuals can participate in this special anniversary edition of GoBald by fundraising, shaving their heads, or both. Public shaving events are scheduled for 21 June at Miri Handicraft Centre as part of WAK Miri, while in Kuching, this year’s GoBald carries added significance, as the Kuching event forms part of Move for Gold, a three-day wellness initiative commemorating SCCS’s 25th anniversary, organised by BeFit Nation.Registration is now open at www.gobald.my. For Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships or to host a satellite shave event, please contact SCCS at 082-686276 or email gobald@sccs.org.my. Follow campaign updates @sccsmy on Faceboo and Instagram.
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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 2025, SCCS provided 957 caring sessions and 57 counselling sessions to 350 patients youths and caregivers.
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. 41 families were provided with 3,020 nights stay in 2025 at RM195,921 in expenses.
Financial Assistance
To families demonstrating financial need, SCCS provides monetary assistance through monthly financial subsidies, medical treatment not covered by the government, and transport subsidies. 47 families received financial aid in 2025, amounting to a total of RM85,900.00 while monthly transport subsidies were provided to a total amount of RM68,569 for 57 families. SCCS provided RM2,043,838 in medical sponsorships for procedures, drugs, consumables, lab tests, and prostheses for over 100 patients.
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 introduced patient education in 2025 for children and caregivers to better understand and prepare for their treatment journey, and also supports funding for medical staff training to allow them to provide better care for the patients. 44 patients and caregivers attended 54 sessions of patient education in 2025, while 10 medical staff received training supported by SCCS, who saw over 9,000 attendees at the annual childhood cancer awareness event in 2025.
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 98 children and 129 recreational activities in 2025.
Official Website: www.sccs.org.my Facebook: fb.com/sccsmy Instagram: @sccsmy
