SCCS needs more parents as support group
MIRI: Taking care of a child suffering from paediatric cancer could be a gruelling task that takes a heavy toll on parents’ physical and mental health.
However, the support group that was formed by parents volunteering with Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) is always there to guide them while enduring the journey.
SCCS president Jocelyn Hee said the support group has come a long way since the organisation was established in 1999 and it has been the core of the society.
“SCCS was established after a group of parents of children with cancer came together to discover ways they could support one another as a non-profit organisation dedicated to meet the needs of families of patients diagnosed with paediatric cancer.
“The support group comprises parents whose child is currently battling, has survived or succumbed to cancer.
“It is mainly to show that SCCS cares about them in a more delicate way, understands their struggle, providing them the confidence and strength to endure the journey,” Hee said.
To better manage the support group, Hee revealed that SCCS has embarked on a database system that collects information on parents of children with cancer and to encourage them to join the support group as volunteers.
At the SCCS Golden Child
SCCS was established after a group of parents of children with cancer came together to discover ways they could support one another as a non-profit organisation dedicated to meet the needs of families of patients diagnosed with paediatric cancer.
Family Day which was held last month, one of the parents, Mahani, who had volunteered with the society for a long time voiced out her concern on the declining number of parents joining the support group as volunteers.
“I truly understand the struggle of parents of children with cancer. Certainly, it is also not an excuse for them to avoid being volunteers. Be reminded of the main objective of why SCCS was born. SCCS has been here since 18 years ago because of the same objective and that we should not ignore and pretend that they don’t need us ( parents) to be part of them,” she said during a parents’ sharing session.
It is undeniable that as the number of patients increased, the demand for support group has increased too.
“With merely a dozen active parents as volunteers, we are outnumbered,” said Mahani, urging parents to take an active role by becoming volunteers with SCCS.
Hee added that efforts have been made to encourage more parents to become volunteers, such as by inviting them to join SCCS activities like Go Bald, Colour Rush and Family Day events.
“It is never easy dealing with own child struggling with cancer. Juggling with work and other commitments makes it even harder. That is why SCCS support group is here to consult these parents, to guide them through the journey,” said Hee.
The sharing session was part of the one- day SCCS Golden Child Family Day activities, giving opportunity to parents, medical team and volunteers the space to rest and rejuvenate their minds besides creating more meaningful and supportive relationships between them.
Meanwhile, oncologist of Sarawak General Hospital, Dr Ong Gek Bee, gave some insight on blood stem cell and the important reason to register as donor.
“People, especially parents of children with cancer, have little or no knowledge about blood stem cell. A lot of those who do not understand fear, hence, educating them is essential,” she explained.
The event was attended by over 150 participants comprising patients, parents and siblings, medical team and volunteers. It was held at Miri Marriot Hotel & Spa.
Jocelyn Hee, SCCS president