KUCHING
24 MAY 2025
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) has provided over RM496,000 in support for Ariyana, a five-year-old girl from Miri diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in the right thoracic. Nicknamed “Yana” by fellow mothers and affectionately called “Winot” by her own mother, Ariyana has shown remarkable strength throughout her cancer journey, despite her young age.
The First Signs
Ariyana’s symptoms began subtly, mimicking common childhood illnesses. She experienced persistent coughs, flu, and recurring fevers — at one point being sent home from school due to her fever. Complaints of pain near her right armpit initially led doctors to suspect a lung infection or pneumonia, and she was prescribed tuberculosis (TB) medication.
However, her condition worsened. The TB treatment reacted adversely with a then-undetected tumour in her chest. A CT scan was ordered, which revealed signs of cancer. Ariyana and her mother were told to fly to Kuching for further treatment.
Challenges During Treatment
It was during the flight to Kuching that Ariyana’s mother was informed of the cancer diagnosis. Expecting only a short trip, the news marked the beginning of a long and difficult journey. Accompanied by a doctor and nurse from Miri, Ariyana wore an oxygen mask throughout the flight. Upon landing, an ambulance transported her directly to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), where chemotherapy began immediately.
Shortly after their arrival, Ariyana’s mother tested positive for COVID-19, further compounding an already difficult situation.
Since then, Ariyana has undergone extensive treatment including:
8 cycles of chemotherapy (September 2024)
Two tumour removal surgeries (December 2024)
A one-month bone marrow transplant at Hospital Pakar Kanak-kanak, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HPKK) (January 2025)
14 sessions of radiotherapy (March 2025)
Immunotherapy (beginning May 2025)
The early days were overwhelming for her mother, who had no prior knowledge of caring for a child with cancer. But with time, and support from other parents and SCCS’s Support Services team, she learned how to manage her daughter’s care, understand scan reports, and interpret treatment schedules.
Moments of Hardship and Strength
While in Kuala Lumpur for the bone marrow transplant, Ariyana faced one of her toughest phases — she stopped speaking, kept her eyes closed for 24 hours, lost weight drastically (at one point she only weighed 12kg), and struggled with feeding. Radiotherapy also left her with side effects such as a sore throat and dry skin.
Throughout these challenges, it was Ariyana’s unwavering spirit that carried her and her mother through. Her bravery during treatments became a source of inspiration, pushing her mother to stay strong and remain hopeful.
During this time, Ariyana’s mother also shared that her daughter has inspired her to become an advocate for thorough treatment, and to be more vigilant of cancer signs and symptoms.
SCCS: A Lifeline for Ariyana and Her Family
Ariyana and her mother have since returned to Kuching to continue treatment. Whenever they are not in the hospital ward, they would stay at the SCCS Halfway Home Centre; a place that, more than being just accommodation, has become their second home.
SCCS has provided comprehensive support that includes:
Monthly financial aid, especially vital as Ariyana’s mother is a single parent to five children
Comfortable and reliable accommodation and transport
Medical education and guidance to manage Ariyana’s treatment
Flight sponsorships from Miri to Kuching and to Kuala Lumpur for the transplant
Emotional support and access to a Parent Support Group
SCCS has also organised activities that have brought moments of joy and comfort to both Ariyana and her mother, helping them stay mentally and emotionally strong.
Ariyana’s mother shares “Nikmat apa yang didustakan,”(which translates to “Which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?”). It expresses deep gratitude and recognition of the blessings received, even during difficult times.
Her mother credits the community she found through SCCS for helping her through the toughest moments. She now offers guidance and shares her knowledge with other caregivers starting their own journey, forming bonds that transcend hardship.
Moving Forward
As of May 2025, Ariyana is scheduled to begin her immunotherapy treatment, with SCCS sponsoring RM472,000 to give her the best chance of survival. Additionally, SCCS sponsored RM16,027 for the care she received at HPKK, along with coverage for daily necessities, flight and transport arrangements, accommodation, monthly financial aid, and medical-related expenses — bringing the total sponsorship to RM496,974.
Mak Ariyana leaves a word of encouragement to all the caregivers going through this challenging time:
“Accept reality.
Make peace with destiny.
Pray, and stay positive.
Don’t let your child feel sad.
Just take the journey one step at a time.
And remember — you are not alone.
Make friends along the way.”
GoBald 2025
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.
“GoBald is not just about shaving heads, it’s about standing in solidarity with children like Ariyana, who show extraordinary courage every single day. Her story reminds us why we do what we do. Every person who goes bald and every donation made brings hope, strength, and essential care to families navigating childhood cancer,” shared SCCS President, Mary Kiu Ai Ling (邱爱玲).
This year, GoBald aims to raise RM1 million and shave 400 heads under the theme “Leave Your Mark,” a powerful call to action to be part of something bigger. The funds raised will help ensure children like Ariyana will receive timely medical aid, improved care, and access to essential support services throughout their treatment journey. 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. -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
