Boy Battles Cancer as Childhood Joys Fade Away

Christian Deo Dennis, a six-year-old boy, is facing a childhood overshadowed by hospital visits, needles, and lengthy treatment sessions, rather than the joy of play that most children enjoy.

After being diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of nerve cell cancer, Deo’s battle is for something every child deserves: the opportunity to grow up.

Facing Unimaginable Challenges

While other kids are discovering their first games, Deo is learning distressing terms that no child should have to encounter: ‘chemotherapy’, ‘surgery’, and ‘radiotherapy’.

For Deo and his family, childhood was abruptly replaced by a relentless struggle for survival.

“His journey transcends medical challenges,” stated the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS). “It embodies a fight against time, fear, and the escalating costs of life-saving treatments, which many families simply cannot afford.”

Hope Amidst Hardship

Dr. Ong Eng-Joe, a pediatric oncologist and medical advisor for SCCS, explained that children with high-risk neuroblastoma, like Deo, require not just chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, but also crucial immunotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

“Without immunotherapy, the chances of survival for these children drastically decrease,” he emphasized.

“This specialized treatment offers families hope and time, yet it comes with a financial burden that few can bear.”

SCCS reported that Deo was one of only three children to receive immunotherapy support from them the previous year, a treatment that could mean the difference between life and death for those battling aggressive cancer.

“Deo’s treatment is the most costly in SCCS’s history, amounting to RM590,000 solely for immunotherapy,” they noted.

Since his diagnosis, Deo has undergone eight rounds of chemotherapy, two surgeries, a stem-cell transplant, 14 sessions of radiotherapy, and five cycles of immunotherapy, with one cycle completed so far.

A Lifeline for Families

Beyond medical treatments, SCCS assists Deo’s family in navigating the harsh realities of cancer. They provide a halfway home in Kuching, offering free food and transport, where Deo and his mother stay when not receiving treatment.

The society has also covered flights and taxi fares for treatment sessions in Kuala Lumpur, totaling RM2,543, and provides a weekly hospital allowance of RM100 to help with basic living expenses during extended stays in the hospital.

For Deo’s mother, SCCS has become an invaluable support system.

“SCCS is like a ray of light in the morning and the moonlight at night,” she expressed. “They gave us hope when everything felt uncertain. They covered all of Deo’s additional treatment and medical costs and helped us with accommodation, food supplies, and even travel arrangements.”

Encouragement for Other Parents

Deo’s mother shared a message for other parents facing similar challenges: “Patience and positivity are essential as your child’s behavior evolves throughout treatment. Stay observant and continue to learn about your child’s illness. When feelings of exhaustion, sadness, or hopelessness arise, engage in activities that uplift you, like praying, listening to music, or watching a favorite show.”

Mary Kiu, president of SCCS, emphasized that Deo’s experience reflects a broader reality.

“Last year, SCCS allocated around RM2 million for medical aid to over 100 children, marking our largest expenditure since 2001. While treatments are increasingly advanced and effective, they also come at a significantly higher cost.”

Standing Together with Families

“Our mission is to ensure no family has to choose between financial stability and their child’s life,” she added.

Despite the challenges, Kiu assured that SCCS remains committed to supporting families from diagnosis through recovery.

“We cover additional medical costs beyond what government hospitals provide, offer accommodation, transport, and food, and assist families needing treatment outside Sarawak by arranging flights and allowances for eligible families.”

“Our ability to provide this support relies on the continued generosity and trust of our donors and partners,” she noted.

SCCS highlighted Deo’s battle as a poignant reminder that childhood cancer encompasses not only medical struggles but also significant financial hurdles.

“We depend on public support to fund life-saving treatments like immunotherapy. Every donation, regardless of size, contributes to giving children with cancer a fighting chance to survive and thrive.”

Those wishing to help children like Deo can contribute to SCCS at sccs.org.my/donate-now/ or call 082-686 276, becoming part of the effort to save young lives.

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