By WU VUIDE
LIKAS: Families of children undergoing cancer treatment are receiving relief through one year of free accommodation sponsored by 22 Lions Clubs from across Malaysia at the Ronald McDonald House Sabah, located within the Sabah Women and Children Hospital.
Hospital director Dr Yogendra Panchalingam said the support has significantly reduced the financial burden on underprivileged families, particularly those travelling from rural districts.
He said this after receiving the sponsorship under an initiative led by District 308-A2 (Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei) under District Governor Dato’ Winnie Lee, involving clubs from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
“We are very thankful for the contribution. It covers the daily accommodation fees for families staying here for a full year, allowing them to focus on their children’s treatment and recovery,” he said.
The facility has 14 rooms, all of which are fully occupied, benefiting families from districts such as Pitas, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Kota Belud and Ranau.
Most patients are children under 12, receiving treatment for various types of cancer, with leukaemia among the more common cases.
Dr Yogendra said families are referred by specialist doctors based on medical needs, distance from home and financial circumstances, with priority given to those from remote areas with limited means.
“The demand is always high, and all rooms are occupied most of the time. Families who stay here are very grateful, and as medical staff, we are encouraged to see the positive impact,” he said.
The Ronald McDonald House began operations in 2024 following its construction in 2022, and there are plans to expand the facility to meet growing demand.
“We are looking at adding more rooms in the future, possibly between 14 and 20 units, depending on funding. At the moment, we are seeking sponsors to support this long-term plan,” he said.
Dr Yogendra said the support is crucial in ensuring families can remain close to their children during treatment, especially those facing both medical and financial challenges.
The facility provides a home away from home for B40 families travelling from rural and remote areas whose loved ones require treatment, easing accommodation costs.
Project coordinator and district chairperson Rizawani Fiona Heng said the collaboration reflects the Lions’ commitment to service, with Siti Mahani as organising chairperson.
The programme also received support from Fabrício Oliveira, immediate past international president of Lions Clubs International and current chairperson of the Lions Clubs International Foundation, who has helped channel funding and resources into District 308-A2.
Beyond the current sponsorship, the Lions plan to contribute towards a proposed RM3 million-extension of the facility to increase capacity.
The expansion is aimed at enabling more families to benefit from the service as demand continues to grow.
The initiative reflects the Lions’ continued effort to support communities in need and assist families facing difficult circumstances.
Fabricio (third, right), presents a goodie bag to a patient as Dr Yogendra (second, right), Rizawani (left), and other guests look on.
