BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & EDWINNIE EINSTEIN UNJI
KUCHING: The 16th edition of GoBald this year targets to raise RM1 million and shave 500 heads across Malaysia in support of children and families battling childhood cancer in Sarawak.
The GoBald 2024, organised by Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), an annual awareness and fundraising campaign was launched today with the theme of Beacon of Hope.
The theme emphasised the pivotal role that ordinary individuals play as agents of hope for children with cancer and survivors, encouraging the public to step up in action to be part of the children’s journey in their recovery from cancer.
Speaking during the launching event, president of SCCS Mary Kiu said as a non-profit organisation, SCCS relies primarily on public donations.
“The annual GoBald event is one of the largest childhood cancer awareness events in Sarawak, as well as one of the few head-shaving fundraisers in the whole of Malaysia.
“It is through major fundraising initiatives like GoBald that have enabled SCCS to support more than 1,650 families since 2001,” she said.
She also said that every year, the society recorded about 50 to 70 new childhood cancer cases in Sarawak.
“In the first quarter of 2024 alone, we have registered three more children who require specialised treatments costing between RM30,000 to RM90,000 each.
“These treatments are essential to ensure young children have the best fighting chance,” she pointed out.
Furthermore, Kiu said besides raising funds, one of the main objectives of GoBald is to spark more conversations on the topic of childhood cancer to increase greater public awareness.
“Through the community’s participation in GoBald, we hope to spread the word about childhood cancer to garner solidarity and support for children battling cancer in Sarawak,” she said.
On a related note, Kiu said so far this year, a significant portion of SCCS’ funds was allocated to support the medical treatment for Jessie Nipah alone, a four-year-old girl from Sarikei who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma (a rare cancer that develops in the nerve tissues).
“Last year, SCCS fully sponsored essential lab tests and scans to enable Jessie to undergo a bone marrow transplant at the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) in Kuala Lumpur.
“In February 2024, SCCS sponsored over RM320,000 for Jessie’s immunotherapy treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital, ensuring she continues to have access to the best available treatment in increasing her survival rate,” Kiu explained.
On the event, GoBald participants can choose to raise funds only, shave their heads, or both. Those opting for head-shaving must raise a minimum of RM50 to have their shave sponsored by SCCS.
Public shaving events will take place at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall in Miri on June 16 and AEON Mall Kuching Central here on June 30 and the registration for GoBald 2024 starts on March 24, 2024 at www.gobald.my.
