Christian in his room at SCCS with his cuddle buddies (above) and with his family before the cancer diagnosis (right).
Cancer society calls on public help to support children beyond initial treatments
Christian Deo Dennis, six, should be running around with friends, playing with toys and feeling happy.
Instead, the boy’s life revolves around needles and long hospital treatments.
While other children are honing their skills at games, he has to learn medical terminology like chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
His childhood is being stolen from him by stage four neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects young children.
Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) paediatric oncologist Dr Ong Eng-Joe said high-risk neuroblastoma patients like Christian still required immunotherapy to destroy remaining cancer cells even after months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical treatment.
Without immunotherapy, there is a lower chance of survival.
Christian was one of three children sponsored by SCCS for immunotherapy in 2025.
The cost of his treatment was the highest, at RM590,000 just for immunotherapy.
Deo (right) with his grandmother and siblings before he was diagnosed.
SCCS events and marketing manager Genevieve Tan said since his diagnosis, Christian had endured eight rounds of chemotherapy with extra sessions, two surgeries, a stem cell transplant, 14 sessions of radiotherapy and five cycles of immunotherapy.
“Beyond treatment, SCCS is also helping his family survive the daily reality of cancer.
“Besides accommodation at a halfway home in Kuching for Christian and his mother, the society also covered flight and taxi fare for treatment in Kuala Lumpur totalling RM2,543 and provided a weekly hospital allowance of RM100 to support basic living needs,” Tan said.
The aid was a blessing, said Christian’s mother Bibiana Asim.
“SCCS is like a ray of light in the morning and moonlight at night.
“They gave us hope when everything felt uncertain.
“Because of them, I could focus fully on my child’s treatment instead of worrying about money.”
She also had a message for other parents facing the same fear: “Patience and positivity are key, as your child’s behaviour changes throughout treatment.
“Be attentive and keep learning about your child’s illness.
“When you feel tired, sad or hopeless, find something to fill that time, whether it is praying, listening to music or watching a drama.”
SCCS president Mary Kiu said the society spent about RM2mil on medical aid for more than 100 children in 2025, the highest recorded since its registration in 2001.
Treatments today are more advanced, targeted and effective but also significantly more expensive.
Immunotherapy in particular, she said, could mean the difference between relapse and survival.
Kiu said SCCS supported eligible families from diagnosis to recovery, even when they were forced to seek treatment beyond the state.
“We cover treatment and medical costs beyond primary care, provide accommodation with transport and food, and assist families seeking treatment outside Sarawak by arranging flights, transport and weekly allowances.
“All this is only possible through the continued generosity and trust of our donors and partners,” said Kiu.
Members of the public who wish to support children like Christian can contribute to SCCS at sccs.org.my/donate-now or call 08-268 6276.
