Innovations Spring 2019 | Page 6

PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropy from across the Pacifc

Giving to charity is something Oscar and Antonia Sanchez knew they wanted to do for many years . Te Sanchezs decided to support the UH Cancer Center ’ s Multiethnic Cohort ( MEC ) Study through a bequest from their estate . Antonia Sanchez has been a MEC participant since the study ’ s inception more than 25 years ago . As a couple of Hispanic ethnicity , they felt it was important to support research .

It feels good to support this work , because the research includes the Hispanic community . Ofen medical statistics only cover the white community ,” said Oscar Sanchez .
Te MEC Study is a large epidemiological study which follows over 215,000 residents of Hawai ‘ i and Los Angeles for development of cancer and other chronic diseases . It includes men and women of fve main ethnic groups : Japanese Americans , Native Hawaiians , African Americans , Latinos and whites .
I want to help the Hispanic community , who are ofen too shy to say anything about cancer . Once we had the means to donate , we never hesitated to support the Multiethnic Cohort Study ,” said Antonia Sanchez .

Cancer Clinical Trials to Be Available in Guam The National Cancer Institute ( NCI ) approved the addition of FHP Health Center , Guam , to its NCI Community Oncology Research Program ( NCORP ) in January 2019 . Family Health Plan ( FHP ) Guam ’ s afliation with the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center ’ s Minority / Underserved NCORP will allow patients on Guam to participate in NCI-sponsored cancer clinical trials .

Supporting cancer research is also very personal for the Sanchezs . Antonia Sanchez had three sisters who fought breast cancer , and Oscar Sanchez is a 20-year survivor of pancreatic cancer . Te Sanchezs agree that receiving newsletters , reports and recommendations from the MEC Study allows them to understand the importance of their involvement .
If you are interested in learning more about supporting our work through cash , a deferred gif or with highly appreciated assets such as stocks or real estate , please contact Todd Cullison , associate director of development at 808-356-5757 or todd . cullison @ uhfoundation . org .
Oscar & Toni Sanchez
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawai ‘ i Island continues to support the UH Cancer Center with a $ 19,822 donation . These funds were raised at the 22nd Annual Run for Hope weekend in September 2018 to beneft cancer research . Activities included the Taste of Hawai ‘ i Island culinary event and silent auction , golf and tennis tournaments , and 5K-10K Run / Walk event .
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