MIRI: The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) launched its ‘Aisyah Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze 2023 at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall here yesterday (Sept 22).
The three-day event, running from September 22 to 24, coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, is part of SCCS’s focused efforts to heighten public awareness of paediatric cancer while celebrating the resilience and courage of all young cancer patients.
SCCS President Rodney Wong stressed the importance of childhood cancer organisations and support groups in driving awareness campaigns and events to educate the public about the different aspects of childhood cancer.
“It is our responsibility, and those with a stronger voice, to encourage more open discourse and sharing of a child’s cancer journey and its challenges, the mindset shifts necessary to break the taboo and misconceptions about childhood cancer.
“This greater awareness will lead to a more informed and compassionate society getting more involved in local advocacy efforts,” he said in a statement today (September 23).
Wong stressed that raised consciousness of the signs and symptoms can also lead to early diagnosis, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes for a child.
He said that the Balloon Maze series began in 2018 with ‘Ali Beats Cancer’ in Kuching and continued with ‘Anna Beats Cancer’ in 2019.
The 2023 maze in Miri was inspired by Aisyah Adlina, a young cancer survivor from Belawai town in Sibu, who was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of nine.
“During her treatment at Sarawak General Hospital, Aisyah and her mother found shelter and support at SCCS halfway home in Kuching,” he said.
Wong said that despite the many hardships, Aisyah overcame cancer with courage, resilience, and hope.
“She is 14 years old this year and is an inspiration to us all,” he added.
The launching ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, who is also the sponsor for the program, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
The event, organised in collaboration with De Jackie Inspirations, was also sponsored by Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Michael Tiang Ming Tee, with Permaisuri Imperial City Mall and DK Photography supporting as venue sponsor and event partner, respectively.
The balloon maze, covering 1,596 sq ft, depicts a child’s cancer journey from symptom detection to remission and survivorship through life-sized balloon sculptures.
Visitors have the opportunity to receive surprise gifts by completing a quiz in the maze.
The maze also showcases SCCS’s support services, including financial and medical aid to ensure children with cancer receive the best possible care.
A highlight of the maze is a video featuring Aisyah, where she shares her life after cancer, her dreams, and encourages other childhood cancer patients.
Visitors can scan a QR code in the maze to watch the video.
Entry to the ‘Aisyah Beats Cancer’ Balloon Maze is free at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall from 10 am to 10 pm. For more information, you can visit www.sccs.org.my.
Also present were SCCS Immediate Past President Jocelyn Hee, SCCS Event and Marketing Manager Genevieve Tan, and Director for De Jackie Inspirations Jackie Tan, and others.
