KUCHING: The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) has spent over RM496,000 to support Ariyana, a five-year-old girl from Miri who is undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma in the right thoracic area.
Diagnosed in September 2024, Ariyana has since undergone eight cycles of chemotherapy, two surgeries to remove her tumour, a bone marrow transplant, 14 sessions of radiotherapy, and is now receiving immunotherapy.
SCCS provided RM472,000 to fund her ongoing immunotherapy, in addition to covering RM16,027 for treatment at Hospital Pakar Kanak-kanak UKM (HPKK), along with expenses for transport, accommodation, daily necessities, and monthly financial aid – bringing the total sponsorship to RM496,974.
The cancer was discovered after she showed persistent symptoms such as coughing, fever, and pain under her right armpit.
SCCS in a statement said that she was initially treated for suspected pneumonia and tuberculosis, but her condition worsened.
A CT scan later revealed signs of cancer, prompting her urgent transfer to Kuching.
She was flown from Miri accompanied by a doctor and nurse, and wore an oxygen mask throughout the journey before being rushed to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for immediate treatment.
Her mother, a single parent to five children, also tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after arriving here at that time.
Despite the overwhelming circumstances, she gradually learned to manage her daughter’s care with the help of other parents and SCCS’s Support Services team.
During her one-month stay in Kuala Lumpur for the bone marrow transplant, Ariyana faced severe complications, including loss of speech, drastic weight loss, and feeding difficulties.
Radiotherapy also left her with a sore throat and dry skin.
Now back in Kuching, Ariyana continues her treatment while staying at SCCS’s Halfway Home Centre.
Her mother now offers guidance to new caregivers, sharing her experience and support.
Each year, SCCS supports about 150 to 200 families, with annual expenses amounting to about RM2 million.
Most of its funding comes from public donations through monthly giving, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and campaigns like GoBald.
This year’s GoBald campaign, themed ‘Leave Your Mark’, aims to raise RM1 million and gather 400 head-shaving participants.
SCCS President, Mary Kiu Ai Ling, said Ariyana’s story serves as a reminder of why such support matters.
“GoBald is not just about shaving heads. It’s about standing in solidarity with children like Ariyana, who show extraordinary courage every single day,” she said.
