KUCHING: Go Bald is finally here again and 2018 sees it in its tenth year with Kuching kicking it off at CityONE Megamall. This year, more than RM150,000 was raised from the main event, and 275 people went bald. The youngest shavee at 6 months old is the granddaughter of Dato Richard Wee and Datin Donna Drury Wee, who also raised the highest amount of donations per donor at RM30,000.
This year’s first shave for Go Bald Kuching started with Dayang Zubaidah – a two-time childhood cancer survivor, Norazie bin Rojiman – also a cancer survivor, a cancer patient – Abid Abdurrahman (7) and his father Abidin bin Polan, parents of cancer fighters – Gary Ho (who is also the current treasurer of Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society), Ann Maurine, Marylene Placid and Mos TanChin, and Edwin ak AChan.
During the event, those who went bald received a commemorative t-shirt which featured the Go Bald logo in gold, against a black background, symbolising gold as the colour of childhood cancer awareness and also the light in the dark, as the public support is the light of support to the families of childhood cancer patients. The participants also collected a wristband and free photo print to remember the momentous occasion.
There was SCCS merchandise for sale and the SCCS Monthly Donation Program sign-up booth where public could donate monthly to SCCS via an auto debit process from a minimum of RM30. There was also an information panel on SCCS support services, and childhood cancer. First launched in 2009, Go Bald is the main awareness and fundraising event for the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS).
The act of going bald shows solidarity to children with cancer that they are not alone in this journey, and that hair loss is only a temporary setback on the journey to recovery. In addition, Go Bald helps the society to raise funds to subsidise its annual operational cost of approximately RM1.5million.
Since its formation in 1999, SCCS has supported more than 1,100 children and their families through various services provided. Their services range from emotional support, the running of a halfway home in Kuching and the newly build home in Miri for outstation patients receiving treatment at local government hospitals, financial aids, training for medical staff, public education campaigns and various recreational activities throughout the year.
With an average of 70 children diagnosed with cancer each year, not to mention the number of relapse cases, much resources and energy is invested to ensure sustainable support for SCCS for the care of children suffering from cancer and their families. Following the Go Bald event in Kuching, Go Bald will also be happening in Permaisuri Imperial City Mall on 13 May, Delta Mall, Sibu on 20 May and Times Square Megamall, Bintulu on 27 May.
In addition, a series of satellite shaves have been organized by corporate and educational organizations, to show support and raise funds for the children. Contact SCCS at 082 686 276 or email to gobald@sccs.org.my to find out how you can have your own satellite shave.
Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society would like to thank, the sponsors for Go Bald 2018, venue sponsor, CityONE, official media partners ERA, MY and hitz, official photographer by Mick Long Bridal Studio, official event coverage, The Shots photography and 98s videography, photo print support by Epson, official hair salons, Ray’s Salon and Hair Plus, activity sponsor Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy, event partner TruEvents, printing partner Lip Soon Outdoor Media, event supporter Digi, Everrise and Shine Pharmacy. For the latest updates on Go Bald, please check out their website at www.gobald.my and visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GoBald Together Let’s Be Brave and Help Kids Fight Cancer.
