BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Monica McLaren PRESIDENT
Christopher M . Yasuma VICE-PRESIDENT
Rex T . Chang SECRETARY
Mitchell Taira TREASURER
Adelia C . Dung Spencer Dung Dennis E . Francis Sheri-Ann Higa Dale T . Kobayashi Don Murphy Jason K . Nagai Anne Marie Rizzo Penelope Rogers
If you ' d like to learn more about the Friends and support us with a donation , please visit https :// friendsofuhcc . org .
President ’ s Message
Aloha , friends and supporters of the UH Cancer Center !
In my May Ho ‘ ōla message , I expressed hopes that with the COVID-19 vaccine ’ s availability , we might be seeing the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel . And now we ' re cautiouly optimistic that the worst is behind us .
For many of us , the pandemic threat and intense arguments surrounding its issues can negatively affect us in mental , emotional , and physical ways . Personally , one of the ways I deal with these negative reactions is to act to make my community a better place . Doing something positive in the face of this threat and dissension helps me feel empowered and fulfilled , even if it doesn ’ t directly relate to the pandemic . Sometimes that means donating , and other times it means giving time and effort , like volunteering to help at an event or serving on a board such as the Friends .
WORKING TO FIND THE CURE
We ' ve had the benefit of member Sheri-Ann Higa ’ s expertise and commitment as our treasurer for several years , and now as she steps down from that position , Mitchell Taira has graciously volunteered to step back into the role . Sound financial management is crucial to maximize our support for the Cancer Center , so we are very grateful to them for their service .
My term as board president will end in December , and we welcome Chris Yasuma into the role . I will still be on the board , and will continue to devote as much time , energy , and resources as I can to support UH Cancer Center and the incredible work it does for our local , national , and global communities .
I ’ m so grateful to everyone who donates to the Friends , as well as to all who take any action to make our community and world a better place . Like them , I will also continue to look for other opportunities to make a positive difference . For me , the fulfillment that I feel helps offset the helplessness and frustration of the pandemic experience .
Thank you for your actions to support our community , in whatever form they take !
Mahalo ,
Monica McLaren President , Friends of the UH Cancer Center