The Kukui Journal
The Kukui Journal is our online blog, where we share ongoing stories, updates, and insights from the Pacific Cancer Foundation. From patient stories and program highlights to community partnerships and behind-the-scenes moments, this is where we shine a light on the resilience, connection, and impact of our work. Explore new posts each month and stay connected with the heart of our mission.
Halloween Fun That Gives Back
Get spooky for a good cause! This Halloween, Azeka is bringing back its Annual South Shore Haunted House, Trunk-or-Treat, and Keiki Costume Contest — and all proceeds benefit Pacific Cancer Foundation’s Children’s Fund. Join us October 24–31 for family fun, frightful surprises, and a chance to support local keiki affected by cancer. Come dressed, come hungry, and come ready to make memories for a meaningful cause.
Sculpting Community Through Art and Giving: Donor Spotlight on Tim Garcia
For more than two decades, Maui sculptor Tim Garcia has shaped stone, wood, and bronze into works that reflect the island’s beauty and harmony. Just as his art uplifts others, so does his generosity, reminding us that giving takes many forms. From donating unique experiences to bringing art into hospitals, Tim shows that when everyone has a paddle in the water, we move forward together as one community.
A Voyage of Faith, Love, and Community: Lisa’s Story
When Lisa Schell was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, her first stop after scheduling doctor’s appointments was Pacific Cancer Foundation. From the love she felt at Paddle for Life to the comfort of home with her animals, Lisa’s voyage shows how hope can be found in many places, and how community carries us through.
Paddling with Purpose: How Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers Bring Strength, Joy, and Healing to the Cancer Journey
Longtime paddler Mary Dungans shares how Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers uses outrigger canoe paddling to restore strength, confidence, and connection after cancer. Through our partnership with Mana‘olana, Pacific Cancer Foundation is helping survivors across Maui County find healing, purpose, and community, one paddle stroke at a time.
Paddle for Life: Honoring Our Top Teams and Fundraisers
In just a little over two weeks, our canoes will launch from Maui to Lāna‘i for the 16th Annual Paddle for Life. Together, we’ve already raised over $224,000 toward our $300,000 goal — an incredible show of generosity and aloha for our cancer community.
Today, we’re excited to celebrate our top fundraising teams and individuals. Their stories reflect the true heart of Paddle for Life, and in the days ahead we’ll be sharing more voices from the canoe with you.
Celebrating Our New CTS Leaders
Pacific Cancer Foundation recently trained 10 new leaders in the Cancer: Thriving & Surviving program. These certified leaders will soon be offering workshops to support survivors and caregivers in managing health, building resilience, and finding hope.
Your Voice Matters: Patients and Caregivers Help Shape the Future of Emotional Support at PCF
PCF is launching a series of Human-Centered Design Sessions. The first, on September 5, invites cancer patients and caregivers to help shape the future of emotional support services.
Support Pacific Cancer Foundation through Foodland’s Give Aloha Program
Support Pacific Cancer Foundation through Foodland’s Give Aloha program this September. Donate up to $249 at checkout with your Maika‘i card (Code: 78946), and Foodland will match a portion of your gift to help ensure no one in Maui County faces cancer alone.
Credit Unions of Maui Raise $35,000 for Pacific Cancer Foundation at 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
The Credit Unions of Maui hosted their 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at The Dunes at Maui Lani, raising $35,000 in support of Pacific Cancer Foundation. These funds will provide free services such as transportation, navigation, and emotional support for local families facing cancer.
Tee Off for a Cause: 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
This August, the Credit Unions of Maui will host their 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at The Dunes at Maui Lani—benefiting the Pacific Cancer Foundation. With net proceeds supporting cancer patients and families across Maui County, this beloved event brings together generosity, community, and a little friendly competition. Early bird registration is open through July 3!
100 Days Until Paddle for Life
More than a race or a challenge, Paddle for Life is a voyage of purpose. This October, over 450 paddlers will cross the ‘Au‘au Channel in honor of loved ones, raising critical funds for cancer patients and families across Maui County. Registration is open, teams are forming, and a new video from ʻOhana Films captures the spirit of this unforgettable journey. Watch now and join us.
Meet Aidan Rindfleisch: Strategic Development Intern
This summer, PCF welcomes Aidan Rindfleisch as our Strategic Development Intern. A senior at UW–Madison, Aidan brings experience in communications, project coordination, and strategic planning—and a genuine enthusiasm for community-centered work. From supporting our strategic plan to enhancing donor communications, he’s already making an impact.
Living On: How UVSC Brings Financial Relief and Hope to Families Facing Cancer
UVSC Executive Director Kandice Johns shares how financial assistance, cultural understanding, and strong community partnerships are helping cancer patients across Hawai‘i navigate the hidden costs of care. Through our partnership with UVSC, Pacific Cancer Foundation is ensuring that families in Maui County can access essential support with dignity and ease.
Donor Spotlight: Alysha Nichols-Sparkman
Maui Realtor Alysha Nichols-Sparkman has supported PCF for nearly a decade through heartfelt fundraising, community advocacy, and unwavering aloha. From paddling in Paddle for Life to amplifying our mission in her Good to be HOME magazine, Alysha continues to show what it means to give back. Registration for Paddle for Life 2025 opens next week—read her story and get inspired.
Celebrating 10 Years with PCF and a birthday wish
As she marks 10 years working with Pacific Cancer Foundation, Natalia Rogers shares a personal reflection on what makes PCF’s work so meaningful. In honor of her birthday, she’s raising funds to support the community that continues to inspire her every day.
A Ride Toward Healing: Roland’s Story
When Uncle Roland was diagnosed with cancer, he feared the worst. What he didn’t expect was the community of support that would carry him through—rides to treatment, listening ears, and the dream of getting back in the water.
Healing Through Expression: Art as a Pathway Back to Self
Discover how art, creativity, and self-expression became a pathway to healing for Tamara Catz—and how her new workshop, Healing Through Expression, offers that same space for individuals on the breast cancer journey.
Beyond End-of-Life: How Hospice Maui is Redefining Support
Hospice Maui Executive Director Melanie Dwyer shares how palliative care, early support, and strong community partnerships are reshaping the future of serious illness care in Maui County. Through our partnership with Hospice Maui, Pacific Cancer Foundation is helping expand access to compassionate, community-centered care for families across Maui County.
"This House Was Always for Everyone": Trina’s Story of Healing and Homecoming
After facing cancer, loss, and overwhelming challenges, Trina Kalanikau found the strength to reach out—and discovered a community ready to lift her up. Through the Kōkua for Cancer project, Trina’s home and spirit were restored, reminding us that asking for help can open the door to healing, hope, and homecoming.
Woven Support: Expanding Palliative Care Across Maui County
A quiet but powerful shift is taking place across Maui County. Pacific Cancer Foundation and Hospice Maui are deepening their partnership to expand access to early palliative care, helping families receive comfort, guidance, and support much sooner in their health journeys. Together, we're building stronger bridges of care—so that no one faces serious illness alone.