BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Monica McLaren PRESIDENT
Christopher M . Yasuma VICE-PRESIDENT
Rex T . Chang SECRETARY
Sheri-Ann Higa TREASURER
Adelia C . Dung Spencer Dung Dennis E . Francis Dale T . Kobayashi Don Murphy Jason K . Nagai Anne Marie Rizzo Penelope Rogers Mitchell Taira
President ’ s Message
Aloha , friends and supporters of the UH Cancer Center !
As 2021 rolls along , hopes to return to a new normal brighten with the COVID vaccines , the result of science and research at their best . With the 50th Anniversary of the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center , the Friends celebrate our own milestone — 40 years of service to support the UH Cancer Center , also science at its best !
The Friends ’ journey started in 1981 when the Pacific Foundation for Cancer Research was incorporated by three dedicated women . In August of 1984 the board raised $ 100,000 to fund a “ Tumor Colony Counter ” at the Cancer Research Center of Hawai ‘ i , renamed the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center . That success was followed by years of sponsoring events that raised substantial funds to support cancer research .
WORKING TO FIND THE CURE
In 1991 the corporate name was changed to Friends of Cancer Research in Hawaii , and strong efforts to reduce cancer-related death and suffering by promoting cancer research and education continued . In 2010 , the organization ’ s name was changed to Friends of University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center to reflect that primary focus , and from then until now , the Friends have not wavered in our original goals .
We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and are so grateful for their foresight and persistence . Through the past 40 years the Friends have seen the UH Cancer Center weather many challenges , but have always recognized its inherent value and potential , and are so incredibly proud to see what it is presently accomplishing as well as its eminent position as one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers .
Our work continues , as this recent legislative session presented bills which threaten the UH Cancer Center ’ s established funding and autonomy , so our efforts to protect and support this precious resource is needed as much as ever . Thank you to all of you who have supported the Friends and Cancer Center over the past 40 years . We look forward to many more years of partnership with you to support UH Cancer Center in its mission to eradicate cancer .
Mahalo ,
Monica McLaren President , Friends of the UH Cancer Center