A TOTAL of 29 childhood cancer survivors from across Sarawak came together at a youth camp to build resilience and meaningful connections as they take the next steps in their life journey.
The participants, who previously received support from the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), were joined by 11 siblings of survivors and participants from Yayasan Kanser Kanak-Kanak in Brunei.
Also taking part in the three-day camp in Lundu were five healthcare professionals from Sibu Hospital and Sarawak General Hospital.
The youth camp is an annual initiative supporting childhood cancer survivors through the transition into life after cancer, addressing the emotional and social challenges they face.
SCCS president Mary Kiu Ai Ling said the camp allowed survivors to connect as young people beyond their diagnosis.
“For many of our survivors, childhood cancer was a significant part of their early years.
“The camp gives them the opportunity to come together not just as survivors, but simply as young people who can have fun, make friends and create happy memories,” she said.
Kiu added that cancer does not define who these young people are or what they can become.
“We hope they gain the confidence to face new challenges, while knowing they have a community that continues to stand beside them.”
Due to hazy conditions at the end of August when the camp took place, all activities, including The Amazing Race, were moved indoors.
Programme highlights included a talk on resilience by Assoc Prof Dr Amalia Madihie from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and a music therapy session led by former Unimas senior lecturer Dr Merikan Aren.
The participants also enjoyed a session with former Malaysian footballer and Kuching City FC youth coach Joseph Kalang Tie.
Throughout the camp, SCCS’ support services team ran a variety of reflective and team-building activities, encouraging participants to recognise their strengths, support one another and transform difficult experiences into stories of growth and hope.
The camp concluded with “The Chair of Courage”, during which participants shared reflections on their survivorship journey.
Faez Nazirul, an osteosarcoma survivor, shared that he learnt more about his own abilities during the camp.
“Although I have physical limitations, I could still join The Amazing Race. The best thing was that everyone had fun,” the 21-year-old said.
SCCS thanked sponsors, participating healthcare professionals and volunteers for supporting this year’s youth camp.
Founded in 2001, SCCS provides care and support for child cancer patients in Sarawak and their families.
Its support includes counselling sessions, home visits, youth and family camps and informal friendships.
Last year, SCCS provided 957 caring sessions and 57 counselling sessions to 350 patients, youths and caregivers.
SCCS also operates a 14-bedroom Children’s Cancer Centre as temporary accommodation for outstation patients, providing food, amenities and daily shuttle services to hospital.
In addition, SCCS provides financial assistance, transport subsidies and medical treatment sponsorship to families in financial need.
In 2025, 47 families received financial aid amounting to RM85,900, while 57 families received transport subsidies totalling RM68,569.
SCCS also provided RM2.04mil in medical sponsorship for procedures, drugs, consumables, lab tests and prostheses for over 100 patients.
