SCCS channels RM170,000 to help Richie with cancer treatment.

KUCHING, Sept 13: Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) has channelled over RM170,000 in aid as of August this year to child patient Richie Baxter for cancer treatment.

According to SCCS, Richie, 6, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma last April and the cancer has spread to other parts of his body.

The SCCS said the support was to cover the cost of treatment for surgical procedures and their removal, including related medical costs such as laboratory tests and scans.

According to SCCS, among the treatments undergone are autologous spinal cord transplants at a cost of RM59,843 and immunotherapy treatments with Dinutuximab totalling RM120,000.

The SCCS also brought a pediatric surgeon from the peninsula to Kuching for surgery to remove tumors in Richie's right thoracic region, in addition to supporting the travel costs of the specialist, according to the statement.

According to SCCS, the priority is to provide ongoing support to Richie's family not only financially but also mentally and emotionally.

Richie's mother, Sherolina Lutong, 34, said the assistance provided by SCCS helped her and her family to undergo the tests they faced, without the added burden of high treatment costs.

"These little things are so important because they make us feel like we're not alone and people really care about Richie and our family", Sherolina told TVS.