Pacific Cancer Foundation is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to providing free support services to Maui’s cancer community. Its mission is to ensure access, knowledge and support for all individuals and families affected by cancer across Maui County, addressing not only medical needs but also the emotional, social and human dimensions of the journey.
Each year, the Foundation organizes Paddle for Life, a deeply meaningful event rooted in Hawaiian tradition and values. More than a race, Paddle for Life is conceived as a voyage—one that brings together cancer survivors, families, caregivers and the wider Maui ‘ohana through paddling, ceremony, chants and collective participation. Crews are formed not in competition, but in solidarity, honoring resilience, remembrance and community.
In 2017 and 2018, I had the honor of participating directly in this remarkable experience. The journey involved paddling from Maui to Lānaʻi in traditional six-man Hawaiian outrigger canoes, camping overnight, and completing the return crossing the following day. Beyond its physical and symbolic significance, the event stands as one of the most effective grassroots fundraisers on the island, combining cultural heritage with tangible community impact.
For the 10th Annual Paddle for Life, I contributed through the design of the event t-shirt, creating the ʻOhana illustration used for that edition. The artwork was conceived as a visual expression of unity, shared strength and collective support—values that lie at the heart of both Paddle for Life and the mission of the Pacific Cancer Foundation.
