KUALA LUMPUR: Childhood cancer remains a pressing concern in Malaysia, with leukaemia accounting for 34.3 per cent of cases.
That was the finding of the Health Ministry’s Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report (2012-2016), published in 2019.
Besides leukaemia, the other cancers in the top five are lymphomas (14.55 per cent), germ cell and gonadal cancers (9.99 per cent), central nervous system (CNS) tumours – including brain and spinal cord cancers – at between 9.76 per cent and 10 per cent, and bone cancers at 7.20 per cent.
Those statistics resonated with cancer awareness advocate and runner Lim Shyang Guey, who initiated ‘Run for Gold’, a 2,200km run across Peninsular Malaysia.
The run will begin on March 28, from the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM)-MPPP Home of Hope at Rose Avenue in Penang, covering all 11 states and Federal Territories in Peninsular Malaysia over an estimated 90 days. The event aims to raise RM600,000 for childhood cancer awareness and essential services.
Lim, 66, said the run carries deep personal meaning following the passing of his wife, Joo Lee, from cancer in August 2024.
“Run for Gold is more than an endurance challenge. It is a journey of hope for children and families affected by cancer, and an important platform to strengthen our childhood cancer support services,” said NCSM managing director Prof Dr Muralitharan Munisamy.
“We are deeply moved by Lim’s remarkable commitment to turning personal loss into a powerful force for good.
“The funds raised will go a long way in enhancing the quality, accessibility, and continuity of care for young patients and their families.”
Muralitharan said NCSM supports patients through programmes such as Home of Hope, psychosocial care, and survivorship initiatives in Penang, Perak and Kuala Lumpur.
The Homes of Hope initiative provides free temporary accommodation for underprivileged cancer patients and their caregivers, addressing financial and logistical challenges faced by those travelling from rural areas for treatment in urban centres.
First introduced in 1996 with the Children’s Home of Hope in Kuala Lumpur, the programme expanded in 2020 to include facilities for adults. Today, there are Homes of Hope in Kuala Lumpur, Selayang, Ipoh, and Penang, strategically located near major government hospitals.
Each home provides a safe and dignified environment with essential amenities, food rations, hospital shuttle services and psychosocial counselling.
Muralitharan said such grassroots efforts are vital in ensuring comprehensive care for patients.
“Beyond funding, this initiative helps build a stronger, more compassionate support network. It ensures that children with cancer – and their families – receive not just medical care, but also the emotional, psychological and social support they need throughout their journey,” he said.
Lim said the journey is driven by love, remembrance, and the desire to make a difference.
“My wife and I once dreamed of travelling around Peninsular Malaysia on foot. After losing her to cancer, I felt compelled to complete this journey – not just for us, but for the children who are bravely fighting cancer every day,” said Lim.
‘Run for Gold’ serves as the Torch Relay component of this year’s ‘Relay For Life Malaysia’. The initiative carries a message of hope and solidarity across communities, with engagement activities planned along the route.
The public is encouraged to support the initiative by joining segments of the run or contributing donations, helping ensure that no child faces cancer alone and that support services continue to expand.
Learn more about the Run for Gold.
Main image: Lim Shyang Guey (blue shirt), with members of the National Cancer Society Malaysia.
