Kuching
15 FEBRUARY 2024
Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) is proud to join in on the three-year campaign launched by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and Childhood Cancer International (CCI) for International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), observed annually on February 15th, to raise awareness of the crucial role of community participation and addressing the challenges related to this illness.
In recognition of the love and sacrifices of families and caregivers, the non-profit organisation initiated engagement activities with childhood cancer patients and families during the clinic day at the Sarawak General Hospital’s Paediatric Specialist Clinic and the Paediatric Ward in Kuching on Wednesday.
“ICCD is a great opportunity to join our many voices to not only raise awareness of the many significant challenges and obstacles faced by children, adolescents and their families in childhood cancer but to advocate for change, to promote solutions and to generate new initiatives towards real improvements with tangible impact,” commented Rodney Wong, President of CCI and SCCS.
Carina Schneider, Managing Director of CCI Europe, who will lead the campaign for the next three years explained “CCI and SIOP advocate for a world where the inequalities and challenges faced by children with cancer are comprehensively understood and addressed by political leaders, decision-makers, social influencers, healthcare professionals, and the community at large. Every child with cancer deserves equitable access to healthcare.”
In conjunction with 2024’s theme – “Unveiling Challenges”, SCCS launched a week-long digital campaign that aims to explore the challenges patients and their families face to access treatment throughout Sarawak.
2024 marks the start of a three-year campaign centred around understanding and addressing the challenges faced by childhood cancer patients, caregivers, survivors, healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide. The campaign is designed to progress through distinct phases, each contributing to a comprehensive narrative that evolves with time, starting with Unveiling Challenges (2024); Inspiring Action (2025); and Demonstrating Impact (2026). While the overarching theme remains constant, the specific objectives evolve, allowing the campaign to remain dynamic and responsive.
Throughout their week-long digital campaign, SCCS detailed logistical challenges from several patients and their caregivers hailing from other parts of Sarawak outside of Kuching, documenting their journey of leaving home for prolonged periods to access life-saving cancer treatments at Sarawak General Hospital. Some of these families have even been separated for over six months.
Moreover, over 20 families participated in a physical arts and crafts activity at the clinic to create coloured, handprint drawings, later hanging their masterpieces onto a tree to signify a show of support, hope and appreciation. The SCCS team coincidentally met Vienna and her family again, whom they highlighted in the press article for ICCD, just last year. Vienna has leukaemia and has since completed her active treatment. She is currently in remission. She, along with her mother, brother and cousin eagerly carried out the handprint arts and crafts alongside other children.
Through this awareness campaign, SCCS hopes to shed light on the daunting journey of childhood cancer traversed by patients and their families. By amplifying their voices and experiences, SCCS aims to foster greater understanding and support in the community for those affected by childhood cancer.
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.
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 1,600 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
