Development at the UH Cancer Center , I am making it my mission to share stories of patients who inspire me to build cancer awareness in Hawai ‘ i and throughout the Pacific – including Guam , my island home .

TAWNEY SABLAN

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT UH CANCER CENTER

Photo courtesy of Scott Nishi , University of Hawai ‘ i Foundation

Susan ’ s experience has been a second full-time job , of working with her oncologist to apply the latest treatment , of self-advocacy , self-education , and balancing self-empowerment with trust that her oncologist will view her as a person with an individual disease , not just one of thousands with terminal cancer . Most importantly , she is maintaining hope to remain on this planet to raise her son .

Photo courtesy of Andrea Bacos

Andrea Bacos ’ daughter Tori and husband Lance

My last story is of a young boy with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia , a patient of UH Cancer Center Assistant Researcher Stephanie Si Lim , MD . Hearing his story made me think of my own children and what options I would want for them if they were diagnosed with cancer .

My first story begins with Andrea Bacos , a wife , mother , and healthcare advocate , determined to share her husband Lance ’ s last years on earth while battling cancer . My heart ached as she recounted her family ’ s journey throughout his treatment .

One week before she was due to speak on O ‘ ahu at our Quest for a Cure event , Andrea lost her home in the August Lahaina wildfires . Despite her adversity , she came after her daughter reminded her that Lance would have wanted her to share the incredible impact a clinical trial had on the quality of his life and why clinical trials are so important .

My second inspiration is Susan Hirano , a stage 4 breast cancer patient paving the way for enhanced cancer care in Hawai ‘ i . Susan was diagnosed unexpectedly in a diagnostic ultrasound , not a mammogram or breast self-exam .

The people of Hawai ‘ i , Guam , and all islands across the Pacific deserve access to the best cancer treatment and care . Through advanced research and patient care , we can reduce the burden of cancer for future generations . Cancer touches all of us . These stories – of our neighbors and friends – are the reason I fight for a brighter future for our islands .

Susan Hirano

Photo courtesy of Scott Nishi , University of Hawai ‘ i Foundation

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