Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia (YKAI) takes a harmonious stride to empower children fighting cancer with its initiative ‘Humanity in Harmony’ project. This program is started with the aim to build Indonesia’ first hospice and palliative care facility, providing solace and support to young cancer patients and their parents, particularly those who are underprivileged. As part of this noble cause, YKAI is organising the grand ‘Symphony for Life’ charity gala concert, on 26 November 2023, at the Aula Simfonia Jakarta.
George Harliono, an exceptionally talented pianist of Indonesian heritage hailing from England, will grace the stage accompanied by the renowned Jakarta Sinfonietta, under the skilled baton of conductor Iswargia R. Sudarno. They will perform renditions of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Piano Concerto No. 1, serving as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals and organisations to contribute generously towards this vital cause.
This concert marks one of the biggest events by YKAI, by bringing together world-class talents and compassionate hearts under one roof, it is hoped that the Charity Gala Concert can raise the funds needed for the palliative care facility. ‘Humanity in Harmony’ is the initiative that marks a significant milestone for YKAI. Officially inaugurated by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, it is the embodiment of the organisation’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for the children battling cancer, as their families too. The heart of this initiative lies in the construction of the first hospice in Indonesia. It is crucial that there should be a sanctuary for advanced-stage cancer patients that can provide all the comfort and care they need and deserve. This is stressed by Sallyana Sorongan, the Chairperson of YKAI, noting the pivotal role this palliative care facility carries in supporting young cancer fighters.
In the spirit of unity and philanthropy, YKAI chose to coincide the Charity Gala Concert with National Health Day, observed on November 12. “It is a joy for us, representing classical musicians, to contribute to children fighting cancer through this charity concert aimed at building the first hospice in Indonesia,” expressed Iswargia R. Sudarno, Director of Music at Jakarta Sinfonietta. The evening’s narrative will be beautifully woven together by Melvina Patricia, a 17-year-old cancer survivor nurtured under YKAI’s care, who will serve as the narrator, sharing her inspiring journey of resilience.
The pressing need for specialised care facilities for child cancer fighters in Indonesia cannot be overstated. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a staggering 8,677 cases of child cancer in Indonesia in 2020 alone, making it a cause for urgent action. YKAI’s initiative addresses this challenge head-on, with a focus on building hospice and palliative care facilities equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring the well-being of these young warriors.
The ‘Symphony for Life’ charity gala concert hopes to prove that through the power of compassion and unity, people can make meaningful differences for others, especially in creating a haven of comfort and care for children battling cancer.
For more information regarding the concert and the purchase of tickets visit symphonyforlife.org
