In 2021, Lavaniyah Ganapathy’s life changed forever when her 6 years old daughter, Mahiyaa Bala, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive called Philadelphia Chromosome Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The news shattered her world.For three long, painful years, Lavaniyah devoted herself entirely to her daughter’s care by navigating hospital stays, treatments, and emotional breakdowns that no mother should ever have to endure.
Fortunately,her family had financial stability and insurance coverage, which allowed Mahiyaa to receive timely and life saving treatment in both Malaysia and Singapore. That access became her daughter’s lifeline. But as Lavaniyah spent day after day in pediatric oncology wards, she began to notice something deeply disturbing. She start noticing that not every child was given that same chance.
In those same hospital rooms, she watched other parents face unimaginable decisions. Some had to stop treatment halfway through because they couldn’t afford to continue. Others weren’t even told what options existed. Many simply never got the opportunity to begin. It broke her heart to realize that a child’s survival often came down to money but not the medicine.
“That didn’t sit right with her. And it never will.”
Lavaniyah couldn’t look away. She felt it deep in her bones and that this was what she was meant to do. To help. To step in. To be a voice for the parents who were too overwhelmed, too heartbroken, or too afraid to speak. And this mission didn’t begin in a boardroom. It began in a hospital room with a little girl and a big heart. While still undergoing treatment, Lavaniyah Ganapathy have shared to Mahiyaa Bala about how unfair it was that some children had to stop treatment simply because of money. In between chemo sessions, Mahiyaa found a way to help. She began painting, and with fierce determination, with the help of her father she auctioned her art from her hospital bed to raise money for children who couldn’t afford treatment.
She raised RM 2,300 the very first funds that seeded what is now the Children Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM).This association was not only inspired by Mahiyaa Bala it was founded by a family’s strength, compassion, and sense of justice lit a flame that now fuels a growing movement.
Spending those long days in the hospital, Lavaniyah also began researching childhood cancer survival rates. What she learned shook her. In developed countries, the survival rate for childhood leukemia is as high as 95%, and for most cancers, around 85%. But in lower income regions including parts of Malaysia rates often fall below 50%, with some areas as low as 30% or 45%. For Lavaniyah, this gap is unacceptable. “The child we lose because of poverty” she says “might have been the one to discover the cure for cancer.”
Today, Lavaniyah continues that mission through CCAM. She works tirelessly, not just as a mother and founder, but as a woman on a mission to ensure no child is ever denied a chance to survive, and no parent ever has to choose between saving their child and paying their bills. Every sen donated to CCAM is handled with purpose and care, going directly to hospitals to pay for treatments, without delay or middlemen. It’s not just about charity it’s about justice.
As Lavaniyah Ganapathy herself says:
“When we wake up in, most of us have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and access to care. But there are parents out there still holding their child through the night, wondering if their baby will still be alive by morning. That’s a pain no parent should carry alone.” And for Lavaniyah Ganapathy this reason enough to keep going to fight for a future where no child is left behind, and no parent wakes up with fear in their heart simply because they couldn’t afford a chance to hope.
Lavaniyah Ganapathy is the inspiring Founder and Chairman of the Children Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM). A mother of three and a caregiver to children with cancer, including her own daughter, Lavaniyah Ganapathy has dedicated her life to supporting families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. Her personal experiences have fueled her mission to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens of these families.
Lavaniyah Ganapathy is renowned for her ability to raise significant funds in a short time while keeping expenses minimal. Through innovative and resourceful approaches, she has organized impactful fundraising campaigns, including a recent initiative that raised substantial funds within weeks, relying on community support and strategic partnerships. Her knack for maximizing impact with minimal spending ensures that every possible resource is directed to the children and families in need.
Key Achievements:
- Successfully raised critical funds in record time with minimal operational costs, ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Pioneered low-cost, high-impact fundraising activities, such as social media campaigns and collaborative events with corporate sponsors.
- Built a strong network of supporters and advocates, ensuring sustainable financial support for children battling cancer.
- Advocated for public awareness campaigns to educate families about the importance of financial preparedness and insurance.
Under Lavaniyah Ganapathy’s leadership, CCAM continues to make a profound difference in the lives of countless children, embodying resilience, compassion, and efficiency in its mission to fight childhood cancer.
Dr Chua Keng Soon is the Vice President of the Children Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM), where he plays a key role in supporting the association’s mission to provide care and hope to children battling cancer. With his expertise in pediatric oncology, Dr. Chua Keng Soon ensures that CCAM stays at the forefront of delivering high-quality treatment and care.
In addition to his medical work, Dr. Chua Keng Soon is deeply committed to community development, particularly supporting underprivileged children. He founded the Life Transformation Program for the B40 community, using badminton to help participants achieve personal and athletic success, including three reaching state-level competition.
Dr. Chua Keng Soon is also passionate about sports and serves as the President of the Malaysia Obstacle Racing Sports Association (Selangor). He advises several badminton clubs, furthering his mission to create opportunities for young athletes. His leadership in both healthcare and sports reflects his dedication to making a positive impact on children’s lives, both through medical care and community engagement.
At CCAM, Dr. Chua Keng Soon’s contributions are vital in shaping the organization’s efforts, ensuring it continues to provide vital support to families and children in need across Malaysia.
Kalawani Selvaraja is the Company Secretary of the Children Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM), where she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the organization. With a background in architecture, Kalawani brings a structured and strategic approach to her work, overseeing governance, compliance, and internal operations at CCAM.
Her dedication to excellence is matched by a deep passion for the association’s mission to support children affected by cancer. Kalawani Selvaraja has been instrumental in shaping the direction and growth of CCAM, working closely with Chairman Lavaniyah Ganapathy from the very beginning to establish a strong foundation for the organization.
Kalawani’s proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail have made her a vital part of CCAM’s success. She continues to contribute significantly to the foundation’s growth, ensuring that the organization can provide hope and support to children and families in need across Malaysia.
Beyond her administrative duties, Kalawani Selvaraja’s compassionate heart drives her dedication to improving the lives of children battling cancer. She actively participates in initiatives aimed at raising awareness, securing resources, and collaborating with stakeholders to expand CCAM’s impact. Her ability to balance strategic planning with empathy and understanding has been key in ensuring that the foundation’s efforts remain focused and effective.
As CCAM continues to grow, Kalawani remains a steady leader in maintaining the organization’s core values of care, hope, and transparency. Her ongoing contributions ensure that CCAM’s mission is not only realized but also sustainable, providing lasting support for children and families throughout Malaysia.
Capt. Jay serves as the Treasurer of the Children Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM), skillfully balancing his busy schedule to ensure the organization’s financial operations run smoothly. With over 24 years of experience as a qualified sailor and captain, he is highly skilled at navigating challenging situations, both at sea and in life. His professionalism and dedication to excellence make him an invaluable member of the CCAM team.
Capt. Jay’s journey with CCAM is deeply personal. When his own daughter was diagnosed with cancer, he faced the emotional and financial challenges that every parent in such a situation endures. Although he is financially stable, witnessing parents who have no choice but to let their children go due to financial strain deeply moved him. This profound empathy fuels his unwavering commitment to CCAM’s mission of ensuring that no child’s life is lost because of financial barriers.
One of Capt. Jay’s remarkable achievements was his ability to raise RM750,000 within just a few days, showcasing his resourcefulness and determination to help families in need. While he has agreed to hold the role of Treasurer until a dedicated successor is found, Capt. Jay continues to devote himself wholeheartedly to the cause.
His dedication reflects his belief in teamwork, sustainability, and compassion. Capt. Jay’s leadership and contributions remain an inspiration to everyone at CCAM, as they work together to bring hope, relief, and support to families facing unimaginable challenges.
(NOTE: Capt. Jeganath is currently serving as Interim Treasurer to ensure smooth financial operations. Once a dedicated successor is identified, Capt. Jay will gladly hand over the role, while continuing his support for CCAM’s mission.)
Datuk Kapten (PA) Ravend Naiker is the Chief Executive Officer of Ambang Angkasa Sdn Bhd, a respected leader in Malaysia’s office equipment and services industry. With decades of corporate experience, he is known not only for his business excellence but also for his unwavering commitment to community service.
A passionate humanitarian, Datuk Kapten Ravend is actively involved in charitable work across Malaysia. He plays a vital role in the Angkatan Pertahanan Awam (Civil Defense) and is an active member of the Lions Club, where he contributes to both emergency response and community outreach. His dedication extends to 4WD Off-Road Rescue Missions, where he delivers essential aid to remote and disaster-affected areas.
Through a wide range of CSR initiatives, he continues to support underprivileged families and children, always guided by a simple mission: to improve the lives of those most in need — especially those too often overlooked.
As a proud ambassador of the Children Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM), Datuk Kapten Ravend stands firmly with our mission — ensuring that no child is denied access to cancer treatment because of financial limitations. His advocacy, leadership, and compassion play a key role in expanding our reach and supporting families through their most difficult battles.
Datuk Kapten Ravend’s generosity and values reflect the very essence of what CCAM stands for: compassion, action, and justice. We are proud to have him as a driving force in our mission to bring hope and healing to every child in need.
Datin Kapten (PA) Fiona Dayang is the Chief Operating Officer of Ambang Angkasa Sdn. Bhd., a leading company in the office equipment and services industry. Alongside Datuk Kapten (PA) Ravend Naiker , she has played.,p pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. Datin Kapten (PA) Fiona Dayang’s entrepreneurial journey began with humble roots. Alongside her partner, Datuk Kapten (PA) Ravend Naiker, she embarked on a venture that would redefine the office equipment industry.
Datin Kapten (PA) Fiona Dayang ventured into the industry, quickly making a name for herself. Her innovative approach, coupled with her ability to adapt to the ever evolving technological landscape, allowed her to thrive in a competitive market. Through her company, she provided top-notch office solutions and cutting-edge ICT hardware to a diverse clientele, earning their trust and loyalty. Datin Kapten (PA) Fiona Dayang’s success is not solely attributed to her business acumen. Her relentless work ethic, coupled with a genuine desire to help others, has made her a respected figure in the community. She has actively participated in various charitable initiatives, supporting causes close to her heart and giving back to society.
Datin Kapten (PA) Fiona Dayang’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of education. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, proving that with dedication and determination, anything is possible. Today, Datin Kapten (PA) Fiona Dayang continues to lead her business with the same passion and drive that has defined her remarkable career.
Suriya Naraayanan is a Malaysian digital content creator and Web3 Assistant Project Manager with a growing influence in the local crypto and social impact space. Raised in Johor, his early life shaped his resilience, independence, and strong sense of purpose. A survivor of a major accident, he turned personal hardship into motivation, becoming an active volunteer, student leader, and advocate for financial literacy and youth empowerment. His diverse experience spans digital content creation, community building, property investment, and sales networking, all driven by a desire to uplift others.
Currently, Suriya Naraayanan serves as an ambassador for the Children’s Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM), where he uses his voice, skills, and platforms to raise awareness and support children battling cancer. His mission is to build meaningful collaborations, connect communities, and ensure no child or family faces hardship alone. Passionate, driven, and community-focused, Suriya Naraayanan continues to inspire change and lead by example.
Together, with your support, we are working tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of young cancer warriors. Our dedication is driven by compassion, and we are committed to ensuring that no family faces this battle alone. Thank you for joining us in this mission to bring relief, comfort, and support to those who need it most.
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