James Kon
The Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA) yesterday hosted a ‘Thank You from the Bottom of Our Heart’ event as a gesture of appreciation towards the donors, volunteers and staff members for supporting the needs of children with cancer.
The event at the Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club was attended by Minister of Health’s spouse Datin Dr Hajah Noraslinah binti Haji Ramlee and former Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof.
Advisor of YASKA Dr Hajah Norehan binti Haji Johari said, “Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital began treating children with cancer since its opening in 1984, under Datin Paduka Dr Lim, and subsequently Dr Yew and Dr Shereef.
“Among the major developments made in 2011 was support from the Special Education Unit (SEU) under the Ministry of Education (MoE), in appointing a teacher to the ward, so that the children could continue with their lessons.
“YASKA was formed with the blessing of Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Adanan, who was Minister of Health at the time, and YASKA received its first pocket money from Baiduri Bank.
“In 2015, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Adanan allowed Level 6 of the Women and Children’s Centre to be used for children with cancer and blood disorders.”
She also thanked the nurses “who faced emotional and physical challenges every day in caring for the children, and still carried out their caregiving with a big smile” before ending her speech with a quote from Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim: “For We Can All Reach For the Stars.”
