CORE VALUE LAULIMA , COLLABORATION

BECOME INVOLVED WITH OUR PATIENT ADVOCACY COUNCIL

( PAC ), comprised of passionate cancer survivors , caregivers , clinical trial participants , and advocates , is dedicated to empowering cancer patients in Hawai ‘ i with knowledge and understanding of clinical trials . In coordination with the UH Cancer Center ’ s Clinical Trials Office , the PAC assists the UH Cancer Center in reducing the barriers to clinical trials by participating in the Community Research Advisory Board meetings and providing their input as part of the process of opening new trials in Hawai ‘ i . In addition , PAC members join in community events , and discuss strategies for creating greater public awareness of clinical trials and improving cancer care .

This year , PAC members were invited to join any of the 10 recently established Disease Site Working Groups which consists of community providers who are experts in their field and are engaged in the decision-making and responsibility for trials conducted in our community . These Working Groups review new trials , determining Principal Investigator assignments , establishing and meeting local accrual goals , and assuring that the UH Cancer Center ’ s clinical trials portfolio meets the needs of those we serve . To join our Patient Advocacy Council , contact Tripit Reevesman at ( 808 ) 564-3970 or treevesman @ cc . hawaii . edu .

As a cancer survivor , it has been extremely fulfilling to support the UH Cancer Center in bringing more treatment options to our state . The clinical trials under review are explained in a way such that lay advocates like myself can readily understand and provide feedback on them .”

JOANNE HAYASHI Chair , Patient Advocacy Council Breast Cancer Survivor

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