(From left) Sanmina-SCI senior HR director May Luwe and vice president S. Rajendran handing over their donation of RM20,000 for Foccan to Maznah (second right) and advisor Benjamin Tiang (right). With them are Gooi (middle) flanked by Teh on his left and The Top Penang assistant general manager Zaidinar Mohamed.
Komtar illuminated to raise paediatric cancer awareness, rally community support
When cancer strikes at an early age, it not only affects a child’s physical and mental health, it also upends the lives of family members.
Countless hospital visits and treatments often results in enormous financial strain and a roller coaster of emotional uncertainty.
To shine a light on the issue, local non-governmental organisation Friends of Childhood Cancer (Foccan) launched Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Penang.
The initiative, part of a broader global campaign observed every September, seeks to educate the public on the importance of early detection and rally community support for young cancer sufferers.
Foccan northern region president Maznah Tayyib said there were cases of babies as young as one month diagnosed with cancer.
And for their families, it can be overwhelming.
“We’re not talking about a one or two-week ailment but a battle that can take years and consume most of their lives. Nobody wants to be in that position.
“Being a caring society, we should help alleviate their burden and be a pillar of strength by spreading hope or help improve outcomes by spreading awareness.
“When the public is empowered with the right information, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to survival rates as high as 80%.
“Children are our future and every life matters,” Maznah said during the launch at Komtar in George Town. It was themed “Komtar Shimmering in Gold”.
This saw the landmark lit up in the symbolic colour for childhood cancer.
It will continue to sport this hue each night until the end of this month.
The ceremony, held at The Top Penang, was launched by state youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi and Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng.
In his speech, Gooi called on parents to pay close attention to any subtle changes in their children’s behaviour or health, as these could often be the first signs of an underlying problem, which should be assessed by a medical professional.
“Just like in adults, early detection of cancer in children improves outcomes.
“Penang Hospital, a referral centre for the northern region, has comprehensive facilities to treat the disease.
“Unfortunately, in many cases patients only come in when their condition is already in the later stages.”
Gooi cited World Health Organisation figures showing an estimated 400,000 new cases of cancer detected in children and adolescents aged up to 19, each year.
The Incidence of Childhood Cancer in Malaysia 2007-2016 report also highlighted that the number of childhood cancer cases is on the rise.
While there are no up-to-date overall statistics for the country, there are at least 48 new cases across public health facilities in Penang, from January to August this year, according to Foccan.
“Dealing with the emotional and physical toll, social stigma and economic burden requires patience and sacrifice.
“But together, we can increase the chances of survival and bring hope to the children who need it most,” Gooi said.
Foccan adviser Benjamin Tiang described the month as a movement to remind every young cancer patient that the community stands beside them.
“Through advocacy, support and kindness, we can make a difference.
“Let’s be the voice for the voiceless, the hope for the hopeless and the light that shines their darkest days.”
The event also saw the screening of several videos highlighting Foccan’s efforts to help affected families.
These include counselling, peer support, financial aid, treatment subsidies, travel allowances, school supplies and daily necessities for the children and their caregivers.
The NGO also organises parties, outings and events to uplift the children’s spirits and give them a sense of normalcy.
As such, it depends on volunteers and donations from the public and corporate bodies.
Electronics manufacturing firm Sanmina-SCI (M) Sdn Bhd made a contribution of RM20,000 to the NGO.
