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Aloha!

You are receiving this email because you signed up for the community newsletter of the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center. Previously titled Innovations, its new name, Ola Hou, in the Hawaiian language, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, means "to revive, recover, restore to health." 

Every four weeks, Ola Hou will provide news you can use, such as UH Cancer Center programs and events for patients, families, caregivers and members of the public; major cancer research developments; growth plans for our center; opportunities to get involved with and support our center and the cancer community, and more. Our first round of news is below.

Mahalo nui loa for supporting the UH Cancer Center's work to save lives in Hawai‘i and the Pacific, and uplift those affected by cancer. We are grateful for your interest!

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Our new community-based patient support network, the Cancer C.A.R.E. Community, kicks off with an inspiring and supportive launch event on Saturday, April 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Sullivan Conference Center of the UH Cancer Center. Our Cancer C.A.R.E Community is here for you and your loved ones, offering heartfelt support and aloha. You'll receive guidance on groundbreaking treatments, emotional well-being resources, practical assistance with navigating care, and more. We are committed to providing you with strength, hope and compassion. Cancer patients, survivors, thrivers and caregivers are invited, to become empowered and gain greater control during their cancer journeys. Register to attend in-person, or online, by March 28.

Two of Hawaiʻi’s leading cancer care organizations, the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and The Queen’s Health Systems, have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop oncology clinic space at the UH Cancer Center — the first time UH will offer an on-campus clinical site for cancer patients. Queen’s will lease space on the third and fourth floors of the center’s ʻewa wing, offering medical oncology, surgical oncology, and chemotherapy infusion services. Meanwhile, Hoʻōla, Hawaiʻi’s first early-phase clinical research center for cancer, is under construction on the first and second floors, and is set to open in early 2026. “This 'one-stop' allows for everybody to receive seamless care,” UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno said. “It gives hope to the entire cancer community.” Read more here.

The University of Hawai‘is annual Giving Day campaign is an exciting opportunity for the UH community, alumni and friends to come together to support units and programs on all 10 campuses of the UH System — including the UH Cancer Center! On April 9, the UH Foundation will provide a special portal where donors may make gifts of any size to the UH campus or specific program of their choice. A wonderful donor has pledged to match gifts to the UH Cancer Center up to $5,000! Additional details to come; click here to learn more about donating to the UH Cancer Center.

Speakers at our March 13 ‘Toast to Hope’ were, from left: UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno; Dr. Elizabeth Nakasone; caregiver Dana Senaha; special host Diane Ono; Drs. Lang Wu, Jared Acoba and Toshiaki Iwase; and UH Foundation CEO Tim Dolan.

Our latest ‘Toast To Hope’ event brought members of the community together at the Sullivan Conference Center to learn about advances in pancreatic cancer research. Hosted by longtime UH Cancer Center supporter Diane Ono, the event featured talks by key faculty members on the latest research into causes and treatments. Caregiver Dana Senaha shared her late husband Bobby’s journey with pancreatic cancer. Hope Ambassador Susan Hirano announced the new Cancer C.A.R.E. Community program launching on April 5. And center Director Dr. Naoto T. Ueno shared his personal cancer journey, as well as major development plans for the center.

The UH Cancer Center is looking for volunteers for a study looking into the effectiveness of bioimpedance analysis. The process uses a device that is non-invasive and quick, and provides a detailed breakdown of a person's weight in terms of muscle, fat, and water.  Approximately 10 more people with a body mass index under 19, and about 10 more people with BMI over 30, are sought. All participants will receive compensation and a free DXA Scan Report. Appointments for this study include a one-day visit. See the flyer for more information.

'Cancer C.A.R.E Community: Patient Empowerment'

Saturday, April 5 | 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sulllivan Conference Center

Click to register

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