KUCHING: Over 140 participants across Malaysia have signed up for the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society’s (SCCS) major fundraising campaign, GoBald 2022.
SCCS president Rodney Wong disclosed that about RM330,000 in funds have thus far been raised to help children and their families fight cancer.
He said from among these participants, a total of 132 have committed to shave their heads.
Elaborating, he said this year’s campaign is carried out in a hybrid format with most sign-ups supporting remotely and safely at their homes.
He said the society recently organised a satellite shave at Persatuan Fatt Lung Tang Kuching, one of the first physical shaving events since the pandemic due to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, adding that a satellite shave will take place on tomorrow (June 26) at Farley Kuching.
“We have seen great success in our last two GoBald campaign which was carried out virtually with a total of over 200 participants in Malaysia going bald for both years. Holding it virtually or in a hybrid setting means we are no longer restricted by geographical boundaries and supporters outside of Sarawak can join and contribute to the cause.
“The funds raised from GoBald have enabled SCCS to continue providing essential services to children with cancer and their families. We are also able to increase our support to ensure these children have access to the best available treatment.
“Every year, we are providing care and relief to more than 200 families of children with cancer from the funding we receive,” he said in a statement on Today (June 25).
He said that in Sarawak alone, an average of 60 to 70 children are diagnosed with cancer each year and this is in addition to children who are receiving treatment as well as relapse cases.
He said to date, the 2022 campaign has garnered support from more than 1,500 donors.
“The funds raised will also support SCCS’ annual operating expanses of about RM1.5million to ensure children continue to have access to the treatment and services they need.
“The society is targeting to raise a total of RM1million this year,” he said.
Wong stated that the donation raised this year is lower although the campaign has recorded a comparable number of participants as in previous years.
Out of the total donation received so far, he said about one-third was raised by former president for Northern Sarawak Journalist Association (NSJA) Thng Joo Hua from Miri who was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year.
Thng has successfully raised about RM121,700 to help children fight cancer and this exceeded his target of RM100,000.
“A small ceremony was held on Today (June 25) at Paul & Jennifer Hair & Beauty Saloon in Miri for Thng to hand over the funds raised to SCCS.
“Representing the society at the handover was immediate former president Jocelyn Hee and witnessed by Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting,” he said.
He said Thng is one of the many good examples who stand up for children with cancer and this is a testament to the children that they are not alone in this journey as many are fighting alongside them.
“We hope that this will inspire more to come forth and support,” he added.
The society is also extending the GoBald 2022 campaign to July 17 and is calling for further support from the public, charitable groups, and corporations.
There is a minimum of RM300 for each participant to raise which will contribute to providing lab tests, blood filters, care packs for new patients, transportation for treatment, accommodation, and meals among others.
Those who are interested to join can sign up at www.gobald.my.
