UH Cancer Center program brings free workshops to community

Community members gathered Saturday at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center in Kakaʻako “to learn about the science and the practice of mindfulness” and its benefits for cancer patients and their families, officials said.

The free workshop was the second event in a new quarterly series presented by the he Susan C. Hirano Cancer Community, Awareness, Research, and Emotional Well-Being (CARE) Community. The endowment fund was created “to support expenses related to the development, implementation and sustainability of program activities, resources and services,” including wellness activities, community outreach, support group facilitation, and other “initiatives that enhance the well-being of cancer patients and their loved ones,” its donation site reads.

Hirano, died in April from cancer and was an advocate for other patients at the center. Earlier this month, it was announced that the endowment had raised nearly $250,000 by Hirano’s husband, Peter Hirano; the Servco Foundation by Servco Pacific Inc., among others, “to ensure the program continues in perpetuity."

Her vision was for cancer patients – "survivors and thrivers" – caregivers, families and those affected by cancer to get support and find connection and community.

At the recent event, more than 150 attendees listened to two presentations by experts in mindfulness and were guided through sessions in meditation, a tool for pain management. Networking and community-building activities also took place both in-person and online.

Peter Hirano also shared about his wife’s life and legacy. The family recently held a celebration of life in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is preparing for another service in Hawai’i this weekend. On Aug. 2, Hirano's celebration of life will start at 3 p.m. at Nuʻuanu Congregational Church, followed by a reception at Oʻahu Country Club.

“Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in the cancer journey. There is a large body of research and evidence that points to the benefit of developing mindfulness as a complementary addition to traditional prevention and treatment,” said UH Cancer Center Director Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, who is a two-time cancer survivor himself. “Our goal with our ‘Mindfulness & Meditation’ workshop and all of our offerings through the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community program is to help participants find a sense of peace, regain control, and experience a nurturing environment where they can feel that they are not alone.”

The next event in the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community series is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, at the UH Cancer Center. Its focus will be on nutrition, featuring expert presentations, a mini farmers market and food demonstrations, officials said.

The UH Cancer Center is one of 73 institutions designated by the National Cancer Institute and contributes millions to Hawai‘i’s economy through scientific research, clinical trials, and other activities. Learn more at UHCancerCenter.org.

For more information about the endowment fund, visit UHCancerCenter.org/CancerCARE. Check out UH Cancer Center on Instagram for event updates.

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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.