The charity obstacle run for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YAKSA) raised BND22,700 as the event came to a close at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday.
The amount raised included BND2,500 from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, BND5,000 from Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd, BND5,200 from the Fuzhou Shiyyi Association and BND10,000 from participants registering for the various events.
Over 1,000 people participated in the YASKA Hope in Motion illuminated by Hengyi charity event, including Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar as the guest of honour.
Event chairperson and YASKA advisor Dr Hajah Norehan binti Haji Johari shared that an estimated 400,000 children worldwide develop cancer every year.
She said that the survival rate for children with cancer has risen to 80 per cent with improvements in treatment, quality of care and early diagnosis. “Early diagnosis is possible if families and healthcare workers are aware of the early warning symptoms of childhood cancer,” she added.
“We are grateful that the government through the Ministry of Health has made accessible childhood cancer services including access to effective diagnosis, essential medicines, blood products and radiation therapy, as well as psychosocial and supportive care.”
Yesterday’s event included a 5km Change Champion course and a 2.5km Hope Bringer run.
Children under YASKA also took part in a ‘stroll of dreams’, where they were cheered by participants and encouraged to fulfil their life goals and dreams. The event concluded with a singing performance by the children. – James Kon
