MIRI
16 JUNE 2024
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) kicked off the first leg of their GoBald main shave event in Miri on Sunday, 16 June 2024, at the Permaisuri Imperial City Mall. This largest head-shaving fundraiser in Sarawak achieved tremendous success, raising over RM170,000 in funds and shaving a total of 65 heads.
“The message behind our theme this year, ‘Beacon of Hope,’ is to emphasise the pivotal role ordinary individuals play as agents of hope for children with cancer and survivors. This year, our main focus for GoBald is to surpass the number of heads shaved compared to previous years,” said Mary Kiu, President of SCCS.
“We aim to not only raise funds but also inspire more people to shave their heads. We believe that a massive, public demonstration of support for our young heroes can create a greater long-term impact, generating more valuable opportunities for the community and, in turn, for the Society itself,” she added.
Since its launch in March, the GoBald 2024 campaign has seen a steady increase in sign-ups. To date, around 250 participants across Malaysia have registered for GoBald, raising over RM215,000 from more than 1,700 donors. The number of participants who signed up to get their heads shaved has also increased significantly from last year, totalling 230.
Last year, the GoBald campaign raised over RM900,000 with over 160 participants shaving their heads. This year, SCCS aims to raise RM1 million and shave 500 heads to enhance and expand support services for children with cancer and their families. This includes a budgeted RM920,000 for medical aid, with over RM630,000 already incurred this year alone.
Supporting the event, Ms Siti Juliana Osman, the mother of Nur Qamarina Mardi, a young girl diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2023, was the first to shave it all off that morning at Paul and Jennifer Hair & Beauty Salon, one of GoBald’s partner salons located inside the mall. Nur Qamarina’s aunt, Ms. Siti Selmiyah, shaved her hair later that afternoon on stage, joining her sister in support of her niece at the GoBald 2024 campaign.
Nineteen-year-old Faez Nazirul Zamahari, diagnosed with Stage 4 proximal femoral osteosarcoma two years ago, has since completed his treatment and reunited with his family in Miri. He, along with his father, Zamahari Bin Ahmad, Nur Qamarina’s brother, Mohd Aiman, and Jeremy Ting, the son of Yang Berhormat Datuk Sebastian Ting were among the first to shave on stage today to show support for their family members or highlight SCCS’ services for other families affected by childhood cancer.
Yang Berhormat Datuk Sebastian Ting and Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye who were also present at the event each donated RM10,000 to support GoBald. In May, the Miri Golf Club had also raised over RM79,000 along with 14 individuals shaving their hair during the satellite event.
SCCS extends its gratitude to all sponsors and partners of GoBald 2024 for supporting children with cancer. Special thanks to our main sponsor, Ibraco Berhad; Salon Partners Ray’s Salon, Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy, Paul & Jennifer, Fion Hair Studio, Danny Hair Academy, and T2H Eternity Saloon; Event Partners Micklong Bridal Studio, Aaron Soon Photography, Snail Photography, DK Photography, Village Sound, and Orangutan Creation; as well as Venue Sponsors Kuching’s Aeon Mall and Miri’s Permaisuri Imperial City Mall.
SCCS will hold its final GoBald main shave event in Kuching on 30 June at AEON Mall Kuching Central. Kuching participants who have raised a minimum of RM50 can now book their shaving time slot through their fundraising profile. For more information and to register, please visit www.gobald.my or walk in on the event day.
For the latest updates on GoBald 2024, follow SCCS on Facebook and Instagram @sccsmy for more
information about upcoming events. Businesses or organisations interested in Corporate Social
Responsibility projects or satellite shaves can contact the SCCS team 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
