KUCHING
7 JUNE 2024
In 2018, Ambrose Wee, a spirited, young boy from Kuching, Sarawak, faced the daunting diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. He was only ten years old at the time. Six years later, Ambrose has since completed active cancer treatment and is now a vibrant 16-year-old, thriving in middle school and gearing up for his crucial Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam next year.
At first glance, Ambrose’s shy demeanour might catch your attention, but spend a little time with him, and you’ll discover a lively, outgoing teen with a passion for sports. His enthusiasm is contagious, evident in his love for computer games and his fondness for fried chicken, a treat he can never resist.
Early Discovery
Ambrose’s journey with bone cancer began six years ago, after a seemingly innocuous fall at school. The persistent pain and swelling in his leg led to a visit to Timberland Medical Centre. Initial scans there raised alarms, and the doctor suspected bone cancer, prompting an immediate referral to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
In June 2018, Ambrose bravely began his chemotherapy journey, completing active treatment by 2020. Following this, he underwent his first endoprosthesis operation (a metal implant to replace the bone) on his right leg, a critical procedure designed to remove the cancerous bone while preserving his limb. Ambrose underwent another surgery to further adjust the prosthesis and keep it in place. Fortunately, the Malaysian government fully sponsored the operation, alleviating the family’s financial burden and allowing them to focus on Ambrose’s recovery.
Latest Endoprosthesis Surgery
Earlier in 2024 when Ambrose was in school, he heard a loud crack, which turned out to mean that his endoprosthesis had broken. In a blink of an eye, Ambrose was in urgent need of a new implant, and SCCS stepped in to support the sponsorship of the new endoprosthesis, allowing for a timely surgery.
On 22 February 2024, Ambrose underwent his third surgery to insert a bigger and newer metal implant in his leg, designed to accommodate his growth. The cost of the new endoprosthesis and surgery totalled around RM35,000, and was carried out at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). The stakes were high; failure of the operation could have led to the amputation of his right leg.
During his hospital stay, Ambrose’s father and grandmother were his primary caregivers. Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and Ambrose was soon discharged, requiring only periodic physiotherapy to adapt to his new prosthesis.
Ambrose’s father, Mr Wee, expressed immense gratitude for the doctors who skillfully handled both surgeries.
“He’s so young. It would be such a shame if he were to have his limb amputated. I’m very thankful to Professor Chan for preserving his leg and successfully completing both surgeries in 2018 and 2024,” said Mr Wee.
Support from the Community
Ambrose’s story resonated deeply with the staff at SCCS.
“I’ve seen many cases where osteosarcoma patients needed to have their limbs amputated to save their lives. I’m glad to see that Ambrose was able to preserve both his legs and complete his cancer treatments smoothly,” shared Ming Ming, SCCS Support Services Manager.
Mr Wee also mentioned the tremendous support and care received from Ambrose’s friends at school.
“My son is very fortunate to have such friendly, caring, and loving friends. They interact like siblings. Ambrose’s friends would run towards me to ask about Ambrose’s condition and when he’d be back in school. In turn, Ambrose also enjoys going to school too. It warms my heart to see the type of friendships Ambrose has,” explained Mr Wee.
Beyond financial sponsorship of the new endoprosthesis, SCCS staff also organised celebrations, gifts, engagement activities and much more during Ambrose’s chemotherapy in 2018, providing moments of joy amid the challenging journey.
Road to Recovery
Ambrose’s grandmother praised her grandson on his sensible and resilient attitude.
“He has a positive outlook and is very disciplined when it comes to his recuperation, diligently training his body and attending physiotherapy classes to get better. He would not allow himself to lie in bed for too long and always exercises to help boost his recovery,” said Ambrose’s grandmother.
Now, almost six months since he’d been home, Ambrose has almost fully recovered and plans to return to school after the Gawai holiday.
Offering words of encouragement to others facing similar battles, Mr Wee urged, “Don’t give up! As long as the doctor says there is still a chance for our kids to recover, please don’t give up easily.”
GoBald 2024
Every year, SCCS supports about 150 to 200 families in Sarawak in their cancer-fighting journey, with their annual expenses rounding up to about RM2 million. As a non-profit organisation, the support services provided by SCCS are primarily funded through public donations raised from its Monthly Donation Programme, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and annual campaigns such as GoBald.
This year, GoBald aims to raise RM1 million and shave 500 heads under the theme “Beacon of Hope,” highlighting the crucial role of community support in the recovery journey of children with cancer. Participants can register and choose to either raise funds, shave their heads, or both.
For more information and to register for GoBald, visit www.gobald.my. Businesses interested in Corporate Social Responsibility projects can contact SCCS at 082-686276 or email 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
