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U . S . Senator Mazie Hirono receives Courage Award

“ ’ m plugging away , not fading away . My voice remains strong !” These inspiring words were spoken by U . S . Sen . Mazie Hirono , who was presented with the 2018 Courage Award at the Hawai ‘ i Comprehensive Cancer Coalition ( HCCC ) Summit held in February 2018 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village .

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On behalf of Gov . David Ige , Lt . Gov . Douglas Chin , proclaimed February 21st as Cancer Awareness Day in Hawai ‘ i to honor those who battle cancer every day . Sen . Hirono was also recognized for her bravery and willingness to continue to serve in Congress while battling Stage IV kidney cancer .

In May 2017 , Sen . Hirono decided to go public with her diagnosis . Hirono revealed to the more than 70 Summit participants , “ I do not consider myself courageous or brave . I just got on with it . And I made the decision with my husband to be very forthcoming about what I have , realizing that there are people in our country and in our state who face this kind of challenge in their lives every day .”

U . S . Sen . Brian Schatz , U . S . Rep . Colleen Hanabusa , as well as Hawai ‘ i senators Roslyn Baker and Josh Green were in attendance to recognize Sen . Hirono for her advocacy efforts and to share their personal experiences with cancer . A written statement prepared by U . S . Rep . Tulsi Gabbard was shared with the audience .

From left to right : Paula Higuchi , MSW , Brenda Hernandez , PhD , MPH , Shane Morita , MD , PhD , Randall Holcombe , MD , MBA , Sen . Mazie Hirono .

In addition to the recognition there was a lively panel discussion moderated by journalist Yunji de Nies . The topics considered the challenges and opportunities that affect change for cancer care in Hawai ‘ i . The speakers and panelists included :

• Randall Holcombe , MD , MBA , UH Cancer Center director ,

• Robert Hirokawa , PhD , CEO , Hawai ‘ i Primary Care Association ,

• Virginia Pressler , MD , MBA , Hawai ‘ i State Department of Health director ,

• Shane Morita , MD , The Queen ’ s Medical Center surgical oncologist and HCCC chair ,

• Ranjani Starr , PhD , Department of Health epidemiologist , and

• Brenda Hernandez , PhD , MPH , UH Cancer Center researcher and HCCC incoming-chair .

The UH Cancer Center has been an active member of the HCCC since 2002 .