By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, March 26: According to the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) president Rodney Wong, at least 50 to 70 children a year in Sarawak, or on average two children a week, are diagnosed with cancer.
Wong said that SCCS needs about RM2 million each year to provide essential support services, assistance and care to families affected by childhood cancer.
“In 2022 alone, our total expenses rounded up to RM1.97 million, supporting more than 150 families in their cancer-fighting journey.
“As a non-profit organisation, the support services provided by SCCS are primarily funded through public donations,” Wong said in a statement handed out to reporters during the GoBald 2023 launch event held at VivaCity Mall here today.
He pointed out that the GoBald event is one of SCCS’ major funding resources, alongside Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects carried out by corporations and its Monthly Donation Programme.
Wong said that SCCS has strong plans to expand into new areas of support while enhancing the provision of its existing essential services in 2023.
“This year, we are going to fully sponsor medical expenses not covered by government hospitals for all B40 household groups, with a family monthly income of RM2,500 and below. Plans are also underway to upgrade the oncology patients’ rooms at Sibu Hospital and the daycare centre at Bintulu Hospital.
“In addition, we are working closely with the medical teams of various government hospitals to ensure they are equipped with essential medical equipment to provide better care for little cancer fighters.
“With these ongoing plans, we need to step up our fundraising efforts so that more funds can be allocated to realise these projects to help children and families in need,” he said.
The GoBald 2023 campaign also calls for participation from members of the public, corporations and agencies in helping to increase childhood cancer awareness in Malaysia through head-shaving.
Registration for GoBald 2023 opens today at www.gobald.my, with more details on how to join on their website. For the latest updates on GoBald 2023, follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/GoBald. — DayakDaily
