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UH Cancer Center launches endowment to support patients
Susan C. Hirano took life by the horns, whether it was in her successful career in real estate or later when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
During her battle with cancer, she had a vision of a program at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to help patients holistically, with emotional, mental and social support, and not just through the physical and medical aspects of the disease.
It would empower patients while also supporting their families and caregivers throughout their journey.
A new endowment will help ensure the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community will continue the legacy of its namesake, who died April 18.
The UH Cancer Center in Kakaako today announced the endowment, with an initial amount of nearly $250, 000, thanks to contributions from her husband, Peter Hirano, along with Tsuha Hawai 'i Aloha, the Servco Foundation, and family and friends.
'The endowment is really a way to keep this program alive and thriving, ' Peter Hirano said. 'It's there for the community and for the people that need it, and it 's all built on her experience and ultimately, it's her gift to the community.'
He said the launch of the program was a dream come true after more than a year and a half of efforts working with the UH Cancer Center staff and faculty to make it happen. The initials in Cancer C.A.R.E. Community stand for Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-being, and the program's aim is to offer a network, along with quarterly workshops and other resources, to uplift cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families.
At the April 5 celebration of its launch, UH surprised Susan Hirano by announcing it would be named in her honor as its founder. More than 100 gathered for the celebration, which included a performance by the center's hula halau of cancer survivors, followed by small-group discussions to brainstorm ideas for the program.
She shared her story at the event and was overjoyed to see her mission become a reality that day, her husband said, as she was so determined to see it through.
'I told her on the way home this is a legacy, ' he said. 'This is something your children, our son's children and his grandchildren would be able to look back and say, 'That was my grandmother or great-grandmother that did that.''
Thirteen days later, she died peacefully at home in Honolulu. She was 57 years old.
A real estate agent for most of her adult life with a successful home-staging business, Hirano's cancer diagnosis in October 2021 seemed to surface out of the blue, with no indication it was coming.
'It was really gut-wrenching, ' Peter Hirano said.
She had been healthy before then, exercised often and enjoyed spending time at the beach with their dogs. Once she came to terms with the Stage 4 diagnosis, however, 'she dove in, ' he said.
She retired from real state and began reading up on the latest cancer research, exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness and reiki to supplement traditional treatment.
Hirano preferred to call herself a cancer 'thriver ' as opposed to a cancer survivor.
She became a 'hope ambassador ' at the UH Cancer Center providing outreach and education, and a patient advocate for others struggling with cancer as the program became her purpose.
'She saw a vision for how it could help impact people's lives, ' her husband said. 'She had a vision for it while going through it herself, and it was informed by her own journey.'
It's a welcome addition to the UH Cancer Center, according to director Dr. Naoto Ueno, himself is a two-time cancer survivor.
Ueno said the center, which is preparing to welcome patients into its Ho 'ola Early Phase Clinical Research Center next year, embraces social-emotional support as an important component of the journey.
'Social-emotional support can improve quality of life at any stage of cancer, ' Ueno said in a statement. 'It has shown potential for improving health outcomes and survivorship for patients, and enhancing experiences for caregivers as well. So the UH Cancer Center is extremely proud of and excited for the growth of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community.'
He added, 'Susan was a beloved friend to many at our center, and her legacy will continue to touch many in our community through this program and this endowment.'
Family support is important during this time, he said, recalling his own experiences with cancer that eventually led to a stem cell transplant. Patient empowerment is also essential, as every patient navigates their way through potentially difficult choices.
Every year, an average of 7, 000 Hawaii residents are diagnosed with invasive cancer, according to the UH Cancer Center, and about 2, 400 die from the disease. Hawaii is home to more than 65, 000 cancer survivors.
Though he did not know it at the time, Peter Hirano said his wife upon diagnosis was given six months to a year to live. She survived the late-stage cancer for another 3-1 /2 years, defying expectations. During that time, she embraced her spiritual and holistic self and found a purpose.
'As much as I miss her every day, I have this other side of me that says we had some really good times with her and we did a lot, ' he said. 'We created some great memories.'
His hope is that the endowment will grow and the program expand along with it to have a lasting impact for cancer patients in perpetuity. The UH Cancer Center welcomes additional contributions through the University of Hawaii Foundation.
Hirano is also survived by son Trevor, stepson Tyler, mother Jean Stine and brother Dan Stine.
Legacy of caring
