UH CANCER CENTER STATEWIDE
A Patient Tribute: Susan Hirano Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Receiving the news that you have cancer is not easy. Susan Hirano is a powerful example of how to accept life’ s |
center. She also founded the Susan C. Hirano
Cancer C. A. R. E. Community, an initiative at the UH
Cancer Center to support and empower cancer
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unexpected challenges with grace and tenacity. |
patients. |
In October 2021, when she was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer that was resistant to standard treatment, Susan wanted to learn all the options that were available to her.
Her oncologist at The Queen’ s Medical Center suggested clinical trial treatments at either Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, or MD Anderson in Houston, Texas.
Although both appeared promising, Susan thought traveling to either site was not practical since it would have required traveling every three weeks, keeping her apart from her teenage son. She couldn’ t see herself being away from her‘ ohana and not having the support of family and friends that she would need between treatment sessions.
“ I did not know clinical trials even existed, especially for breast cancer,” she said.
“ When the Ho‘ ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center is opened at the UH Cancer Center, it will help keep families together and provide hope for the future,” she said.“ Patients can stay home in Hawai‘ i, receive advanced treatment, and enjoy a better quality of life.”
Although Susan passed away in April 2025 and did not have the opportunity to see the launch of Ho‘ ōla, her passion, enthusiasm for life, and love for others continue to have a profound impact on the UH Cancer Center.
“ Susan never gave up, and she consistently gave her all for the UH Cancer Center,” said UH Cancer Center Director Dr. Naoto T. Ueno.“ Her radiant, resilient spirit encouraged other cancer patients, and inspired our researchers and her doctors as well. She leaves an incredible legacy, and we will deeply miss her.”
When she learned that the UH Cancer Center would be starting an early phase clinical research center right here in the islands, she made it her personal mission to become a patient advocate and raise awareness about the early phase
Susan C. Hirano, Patient Advocate, Hope Ambassador, and founder of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C. A. R. E Community. Photo by George F. Lee, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, used by permission
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