The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center announces the establishment of an endowment totaling nearly $250,000 to sustain the new Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community, a patient empowerment and support program founded at the center in Kaka‘ako by the late Susan C. Hirano of Honolulu.
Launched in April 2025 under Hirano’s leadership, the Cancer C.A.R.E. Community — which stands for Community, Awareness, Research, and Emotional Well-Being — offers quarterly workshops and other educational and supportive opportunities designed to uplift cancer patients and survivors, caregivers, and families.
The endowment ensures these services continue through the UH Cancer Center in perpetuity and has raised nearly $250,000. Initial contributions have been made by Susan Hirano’s husband, Peter Hirano; Tsuha Hawaiʻi Aloha; the Servco Foundation; and other family members and friends of Susan.
Inspired by her own journey
Susan Hirano’s personal journey with cancer was the catalyst for the Cancer C.A.R.E. Community initiative. She was diagnosed in 2021 with stage-four metastatic breast cancer and at the time was estimated to have only about a year to live. She retired as a Realtor and undertook an effort to supplement her medical care with such practices as meditation, diet, understanding the latest research and advocating for herself.
Through this journey, she became a tireless advocate for other cancer patients. These experiences led her to work with UH Cancer Center staff and faculty to establish the Cancer C.A.R.E. Community. The initiative was renamed for her in a surprise ceremony during its kickoff event on April 5. Susan Hirano was present to celebrate and speak at the launch. She passed away peacefully at home 13 days after the launch, on April 18, at the age of 57.
“Susan believed deeply in the mission of the UH Cancer Center, and she also believed deeply in empowering and supporting patients,” said Peter Hirano. “The Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community supports and empowers individuals facing the challenges of cancer with resources and guidance to help their mind, body and spirit. Susan wanted every cancer patient to feel supported, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. This endowment is a way to carry forward that mission.”
Susan Hirano (front) surrounded by UH Cancer Center faculty and staff.
A lasting legacy of support
“Social-emotional support can improve quality of life at any stage of cancer,” said UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno, a two-time cancer survivor: “It has shown potential for improving health outcomes and survivorship for patients, and enhancing experiences for caregivers as well. The UH Cancer Center is extremely proud of and excited for the growth of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community. Expanding patient care and support is important to the UH Cancer Center especially as we prepare to welcome patients into our Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center in 2026. 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.”
Celebration of life
Hirano is survived by her husband, Peter; son, Trevor; stepson, Tyler; mother, Jean Stine; and brother, Dan.
A celebration of life will be held July 12 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In Honolulu, on August 2, there will be a 3 p.m. celebration of life at Nuʻuanu Congregational Church, followed by a reception at Oahu Country Club.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations may be made to the endowment fund for the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community.
FOR UH • FOR HAWAIʻI, The Campaign for the University of Hawaiʻi, is focused on raising $1 billion to support UH priorities on all 10 campuses across the state, including student success; research that matters; kuleana to Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi; sustainability, resilience and conservation; innovation and entrepreneurship; building Hawaiʻi’s workforce; and engaging our community. Learn more at uhfoundation.org/4UH4HI
Questions? / More Information
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The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. The mission of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is to unite donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawai‘i and our future generations. uhfoundation.org
