Jaden (right) is taking on Mount Kinabalu to raise funds for Branden's care. Photos: Edmund Lim
Despite battling growth hormone deficiency and a pituitary microadenoma, Jaden Lim, 18, is determined to scale Mount Kinabalu in Sabah from Feb 7-8 for a good cause.
Driven by his love for his brother, Branden Lim, 14, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Jaden is undertaking this challenging climb to raise awareness for the genetic disease and funds for Branden's future.
Jaden, from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, is fundraising to help cover Branden's caregiver costs, which range from RM2,500 to RM3,000 per month. As a budding artist, Branden also relies on art as a form of expression, and part of the funds raised will go toward his art supplies.
Inspired by his brother’s resilience, Jaden is determined to reach Low's Peak for spinal muscular atrophy awareness.
"This (effort) isn't just about climbing a mountain – it's about showing Branden that he isn't fighting alone. In a way, it mirrors his own battle. SMA has been a part of his life since birth, but he has never let it define him.
"Every day, he overcomes obstacles most people can't even imagine. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is my way of saying, 'We are in this together, and you are not alone.' If he can face his mountains, I can climb this one for him," said Jaden in an email interview recently.Jaden hopes people can help by sponsoring a kilometre of his climb for just RM10. The climb up to Low's Peak is 8.5km.
"Each sponsorship helps me get closer to the top – and to a cause that means so much to me and my family. Together, we can make every kilometre count."
'This cause isn’t just about climbing a mountain - it’s about showing Branden that he isn't fighting alone,' says Jaden.
The climb is organised by Jaden's school in Shah Alam, with seven students and four teachers taking part.
When asked how he feels about scaling Mount Kinabalu, Jaden admitted to having a mix of emotions."I am nervous and excited at the same time. Summiting Mount Kinabalu is no small task, and with that comes some nervousness. But my determination and excitement far outweigh any doubts.
"Every time I think about standing at the summit, I picture Branden's smile and the pride he will feel knowing we did it together. That's what keeps me going. I am determined to reach the top – no matter what it takes," said Jaden, who has been preparing for the climb with strength training, stair climbs and exercise bike sessions.
His father Edmund Lim, 51, says Jaden's decision to scale Mount Kinabalu is a show of strength, resilience and his love for Branden.
"Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a serious physical and mental challenge, and the fact that he's doing it for Branden says so much about their bond. "Jaden has had his own uphill battle. Diagnosed with GHD and later a pituitary microadenoma, it has been a long period of uncertainty and hope. Once treatment could start safely, it meant years of daily injections – which he managed on his own as a child. He never complained, but just kept going.
"Today, he continues to live with the tumour's lingering risks, though it remains non-critical for now. So, seeing him take on this climb, knowing everything he's been through, makes it even more meaningful," shared Edmund, managing partner at a social enterprise in PJ.
Edmund (left) with his two sons, Branden (centre) and Jaden.
Edmund believes Jaden's climb serves as a powerful call to awareness – not just about SMA, GHD and pituitary tumours, but also about the risks individuals face and the possibility of having a child affected by these conditions.
"Too many people don't understand the immense challenges families like ours face – medical, emotional and financial. It is overwhelming. But awareness alone isn't enough. We need real change – government commitment and action to provide kids like Branden, and even adults with SMA, access to life-saving treatments. No family should have to fight an uphill battle just to give their child a chance at life," said Edmund, who will not be joining the climb as he needs to care for Branden with his wife, Yap Sook Yee, 50.
Jaden aims to raise RM10 per kilometre to help fund Branden’s caregiver expenses and art supplies.
Edmund is happy that Jaden is taking on a monumental challenge for his brother.
"Their relationship is what every parent hopes for. Jaden and Branden support each other in a way that goes beyond words.
"Jaden understands struggle. He knows what it means to push through challenges, and now he's putting that same determination into this climb. Branden, for his part, is working hard to be independent, using his creativity and art to earn his own income. He's only 14.
"Jaden's climb isn't just about reaching the summit – it's about standing with his brother and showing up in the most meaningful way."
