Dr Chen (left) with Enthaniel and his parents during a recent meeting. – File photo
SIBU: Sibu Cancer Care Society has officially ended its donation campaign to raise RM500,000 for two-year-old Ethaniel Lee’s bone marrow transplant, scheduled on Nov 6 after reaching its target today.
Its chairman Dr Clement Chen said the amount collected was RM606,684.26 as of noon today.
“Many thanks to all the very kind passionate donors. Donations are still coming in. I am extremely touched.
“I know many individuals and groups are in the process of gathering donations among friends. They can decide to donate or put to other use,” he said.
He said all the money collected will be utilised for Ethaniel’s medical treatment until he is cured of cancer.
“This will probably take more than one year to be sure that the cancer will not return. At that time, if there is any remaining balance, it will be given to other cancer patients,” he added.
He also said that the society will keep the members of the public updated about Ethaniel’s progress through Sibu Cancer Care Society Facebook page.
He also pointed out that Sibu Cancer Care Society has many cancer sufferers in need of financial aids.
Thus, he assured donors that the extra money will also be used help other deserving patients.
“I really like to thank all you lovely people. You have created history, you have told the whole world there is care and love among us.
“Most importantly, you give Ethaniel a chance to live! On behalf of Ethaniel’s parents, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you, beautiful people,” he enthused.
Ethaniel is suffering from an aggressive and rare form of childhood leukaemia called Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (JMML).
The only cure is through a bone marrow transplant which is scheduled on Nov 6. The transplant and treatment will cost about RM650,000.
On Oct 11, the society made a decision to raise RM500,000 by the end of this month, after having received RM150,000 from Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS).
Currently, Ethaniel is undergoing chemotherapy at Subang Jaya Medical Centre and the boy’s father, Lee Soon Luen, 29, had to quit his job to take care of him.
The boy’s mother, Ting Mei Wen, 31 is now the sole breadwinner of the family, earning about RM2,500 every month as an administration clerk.