MAJOR DONOR STORIES
A young boy honors his maternal grandmother
Peyton Espiritu , a sixth grade graduate from Nimitz Elementary donated $ 545 to the UH Cancer Center . “ My grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer , so I wanted to help people with cancer ,” said Peyton .
Karen and Dennet Azuma beside memorial tablet for sister Velina at the UH Cancer Center .
In honor of a beloved sister
Philanthropic support comes from a variety of sources including corporations and grants . However , a significant portion of donations to the UH Cancer Center comes from individuals with a connection to cancer .
The Azuma family , including brothers Dennet , Eric , Kenneth and Edwin provided a hui gift to honor their late sister , Velina , who died from cancer . Velina was the primary caregiver for their parents and a fighter throughout her own battle with cancer . “ We really wanted to do something for her . She did all these things for us ,” said Dennet .
The Azuma family wanted their cancer research support to stay in Hawai ‘ i . “ We found out the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center is unique for people in Hawai ‘ i because of our ethnic population , it ’ s more close to home .”
Peyton raised the funds through a school project . His class assignment was to conceive of and conduct a project that would impact the community . Peyton decided to create and sell bracelets to support cancer research .
I was proud of him and excited ,
Peyton Espiritu especially because it ’ s my mom who was diagnosed , and just the fact that he thought of a way to try and help out ,” said Peyton ’ s mother .
The UH Cancer Center is fortunate to have broad community support that allows it to conduct novel research that might otherwise not be possible . Mahalo to the Azuma and Espiritu families for their contributions to cancer research . If interested in making a gift or learning more about philanthropic opportunities , please contact Todd Cullison at 808-356-5757 or email at todd . cullison @ uhfoundation . org .
FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALĀLAI DONATION
Left : Volunteers left to right : Joseph Bracalento , Brooke Bennett , Mark Willingham , Crissy Kawamoto , Tony Lam , and Todd Kawamoto . Right : Volunteers assemble runners ’ packets for the Run .
The Four Seasons Resort Hualālai gifted the UH Cancer Center with nearly $ 20,000 from its 21st annual Run for Hope to support cancer research . UH Cancer Center volunteers helped throughout the September 2017 event , which included the Taste of Hawai ‘ i Island dinner , golf tournament and 5k run / walk and 10k run .
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