Latest news with #Ariyana
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
SCCS aims for RM1 mln and 400 shaves in GoBald 2025
A participant shaved his head in solidarity with children battling cancer at a recent GoBald event in Kuching. KUCHING (July 2): The Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) aims to raise RM1 million and have 400 individuals shave their heads through its GoBald event this year. In a press release, SCCs said it records between 50 to 70 new childhood cancer cases in the state each year. SCCS explained it requires approximately RM2 million annually to sustain its services, with over 70 per cent of funds directly benefiting affected children through medical sponsorships, financial aid, and specialised treatment. 'In 2024, SCCS incurred RM2.9 million in expenses, a 43 per cent increase from the previous year, largely due to critical medical aid support exceeding RM500,000. 'As of May this year, SCCS has already spent approximately RM590,000 to support 33 children and their families with essential medical needs, including specialised medication, consumables, laboratory tests, and diagnostic scans. This includes over RM496,000 in support of five-year-old Ariyana from Miri, who is battling neuroblastoma and recently underwent a bone marrow transplant and immunotherapy,' said SCCS. According to SCCS, an estimated eight more children will benefit from specialised drugs sponsored by the organisation. Amongst them are two more young patients: a five-year-old boy from Serian and a one-year-old girl from Kuching — both scheduled to undergo immunotherapy in the second half of the year. SCCS said these advanced treatments offer renewed hope of improving their treatment journeys and significantly increasing their chances of survival. 'SCCS is projected to incur an unprecedented RM1.5 million in medical-related expenses in 2025 alone,'it added. SCCS also shared this year's GoBald theme, 'Leave Your Mark', is a powerful call to action and an invitation for individuals to make a lasting impact. 'Funds raised will go toward providing critical medical aid, psychosocial support, and financial assistance to young cancer patients across Sarawak,' it added. On a related matter, SCCS said a satellite shave hosted by long-time supporter Tanahmas Hotel, initially scheduled for July 6, has now been postponed to July 27. It explained that the rescheduling aims to allow more time for the Sibu community to participate and show their support for this meaningful cause. 'Through the event, Tanahmas Hotel hopes to raise RM10,000 in support of SCCS's services for children and families affected by childhood cancer,' it added. GoBald lead Sarawak Children's Cancer Society
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Inspiration': Why Southeastern senior was nominated to be U.S. Presidential Scholar
EASTON — Ariyana Chrispin Perkins, a senior at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton, has been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, according to a community announcement. Perkins, 18, was recommended by Southeastern School Counselor Melanie Altrich due to her academic achievements, leadership and perseverance. She maintains a 4.59 GPA while taking college-level courses through Southeastern's Early College High School program, alongside her vocational courses. Upon graduating in June, Perkins will receive both a high school diploma and an associate's degree from Massasoit Community College. She plans to attend UMass Amherst's biochemistry program in the fall. Perkins has taken on leadership roles at Southeastern, serving as a school ambassador for incoming freshmen and participating in several extracurricular activities, including the Newspaper Club, Southeastern Hawks Dinner Club and the Media Axis Club at Massasoit. She was also selected as Southeastern's representative for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference. "What truly sets Ariyana apart, however, is her ability to overcome any perceived obstacles while maintaining her unwavering focus on her goals," Altrich wrote in her nomination letter. Perkins aims to pursue a career in medicine, with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist. She has gained hands-on experience in her field through Southeastern's Early Childhood Education vocational program, working at Brockton Day Nursery and completing an externship at Manthala George Jr. Elementary School in Brockton. "Ariyana's desire to become a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist has deepened through hands-on experience working with children in her vocational program," Altrich said. "These experiences not only strengthened her desire to work with children but also allowed her to apply the skills she has developed in her vocational program." The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, is one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. It recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding academic success, leadership and service. Each year, around 3,000 students nationwide receive nominations, which are narrowed down to 650 semifinalists, and up to 161 students are finally named as Presidential Scholars. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the 2025 finalists in April, following a review by the federal Commission on Presidential Scholars. Honorees will then be invited to an awards ceremony in Washington in June, where they will receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion. 'Ariyana's nomination for the Presidential Scholars Program is a testament to her determination, intellect, hard work and commitment to excellence,' Acting Principal Christina Guarini said. 'We are incredibly proud of her.' Superintendent Holly McClanan also praised Perkins, calling her an exceptional young woman who embodies the spirit of Southeastern Regional. 'Her determination and drive serve as an inspiration to her peers, and we have no doubt she will go on to achieve great success,' McClanan said. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more. This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Why Southeastern senior was nominated to be U.S. Presidential Scholar
