{"id":231074,"date":"2026-03-20T14:47:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T00:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=231074"},"modified":"2026-04-15T09:31:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T19:31:05","slug":"gd-susan-hirano-cancer-care-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/20\/gd-susan-hirano-cancer-care-community\/","title":{"rendered":"UH<\/abbr> cancer support network champions patient advocacy"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
\"Susan
Susan Hirano’s determination and vision for patient empowerment inspired the Cancer CARE<\/abbr> Community at the UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The genesis of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community<\/a> began not in Kaka\u02bbako, but during a visit to a breast cancer specialist in Texas. There, Susan and Peter Hirano first heard about Naoto Ueno, who would soon become director of the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Cancer Center.<\/a><\/p>\n

After Ueno relocated to Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>, the Hiranos connected with him, and Susan shared her vision: a supportive space where cancer patients, families and caregivers could access information, education and emotional support.<\/p>\n

Read more UH<\/abbr> Giving Day stories<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Diagnosed with stage-four metastatic breast cancer in October 2021, Susan immersed herself in research, exploring clinical trials and consulting with specialists at leading institutions.<\/p>\n

“She had an intense and fierce determination to live,” Peter said. “So, in addition to researching the science of the disease, she explored other ways to supplement her medical treatments, from reiki massages and naturopathic treatments to acupuncture, meditation and diet.”<\/p>\n

Empowering patients, building community<\/h2>\n

Susan brought that same determination to her medical appointments, encouraging patients to actively participate in their care. That philosophy became the foundation of the Cancer CARE Community—CARE representing Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-Being.<\/p>\n

Her vision became reality on April 5, 2025, when the UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center launched the program.<\/p>\n

\"Susan
With Peter\u2019s unwavering support, Susan transformed her cancer journey into a fierce legacy of cancer patient advocacy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“I remember that she wasn’t feeling very well that morning,” Peter recalled. “But she told me, ‘Just get me there, and the people will lift me up.’”<\/p>\n

During the inaugural workshop, Susan spoke for 25 minutes, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and asking questions. The event culminated in an emotional surprise: the program was officially named in her honor.<\/p>\n

“She was blown away,” Peter said. “She had no idea that the team was going to name the program the ‘Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE<\/abbr> Community.’ I am so proud of the legacy she has built.”<\/p>\n

Less than two weeks later, on April 18, 2025, Susan passed away peacefully at home.<\/p>\n

Sustaining the legacy on Giving Day<\/h2>\n

Today, the program continues her legacy, offering quarterly workshops that provide holistic support for patients, survivors and caregivers. More than 550 people have attended events so far, with many returning regularly.<\/p>\n

“The event was ‘empowering’ to learn about the true value of empowerment––how to find peace with our situation, our thoughts and our choice,” commented one attendee in an evaluation survey.<\/p>\n

More Â鶹´«Ã½News<\/em> stories about Susan C. Hirano and her legacy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Community support is vital to help the CARE<\/abbr> Community reach more cancer patients, families and caregivers across Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>.<\/p>\n

As the community comes together for UH<\/abbr> Giving Day, Peter wants potential donors to know that their contributions aren\u2019t just abstract numbers.<\/p>\n

Every gift, no matter the size, helps ensure the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE<\/abbr> Community can continue providing trusted resources, connection and support for those facing cancer across Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>—just as Susan envisioned.<\/p>\n

Learn more<\/a> about the Cancer CARE<\/abbr> Community, make a gift<\/a> and explore other Giving Day opportunities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community supports patients and caregivers across Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":231081,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[218,169,319,1726,9],"class_list":["post-231074","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-cancer","tag-uh-cancer-center","tag-uh-foundation","tag-uh-giving-day","tag-uh-manoa","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t