Hawaiian Airlines Donates to Native Hawaiian Cancer Center Network

(Left to right, back row) Debbie Nakanelua Richards, community relations director at Hawaiian Airlines; Brian Sabog, flight attendant; Zelda Alimoot, flight attendant; Kuata Ofoia, flight attendant and breast cancer survivor; Debbie Phillips, flight attendant; (front row) Amanda Allison, ‘Imi Hale project specialist; JoAnn Tsark, ‘Imi Hale Native Hawaiian Cancer Center Network project director; Moana AhYuen Wheelon, flight attendant and breast cancer survivor; Heather Ukauka, flight attendant; and Sharlene Chun-Lum, Papa Ola Lōkahi executive director. Hawaiian Airlines photo.

Hawaiian Airlines presented a $25,000 check donation to ‘Imi Hale, the Native Hawaiian Cancer Center Network, as part of its Time is Precious breast cancer awareness campaign.

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month last October, co-branded Hawaiian Airlines/Fossil watches featuring a pink ribbon design were sold aboard Hawaiian flights between Hawai‘i and North America, Australia and New Zealand.

The limited-edition watches were also sold through the Hawaiian Airlines online logo store.

All sales proceeds were donated today to ’Imi Hale, a community-based health network dedicated to cancer prevention and healthcare access among native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

(Left to right) Kuata Ofoia, flight attendant and breast cancer survivor; Amanda Allison, ‘Imi Hale Native Hawaiian Cancer Center Network project specialist; JoAnn Tsark, ‘Imi Hale Native Hawaiian Cancer Center Network project director; Moana AhYuen Wheelon, flight attendant and breast cancer survivor; and Sharlene Chun-Lum, Papa Ola Lōkahi executive director. Hawaiian Airlines photo.

“We are extremely proud to help raise awareness of a life-threatening disease that touches the lives of so many people in our community,” said Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, director of community relations at Hawaiian Airlines. “In doing so, we couldn’t think of better partners than Fossil, a champion of cancer awareness nationally, and ’Imi Hale, which has worked tirelessly to help our ‘ohana, the larger family of our island home.”

The idea for the partnership originated from Hawaiian Airlines employees, some of whom have been personally affected by breast cancer, as a way to raise awareness and support research.

The watches, offered in pink or gray for $95, are housed in a custom tin case adorned with an airplane graphic, along with the word Hihahiwa (precious)—a reminder of the beauty of time and that every moment should be treasured.

The ’Imi Hale Native Hawaiian Cancer Network has trained over 200 “cancer patient navigators,” who assist patients with timely access to education, treatment and support services, said JoAnn Trask, ’Imi Hale project director.

“I lost my parents, grandmother and aunt to cancer, and as a cancer survivor myself, I know how hard it is to get through the healthcare system,” said Jacqueline Nalani Perreira, cancer survivor and cancer patient navigator. “Every cancer patient should have someone to help them through the rough waters of cancer care and I am now privileged to be that helper, supporting patients and their families.”

Hawaiian’s partnership with Fossil and ’Imi Hale is among many company initiatives to support worthy causes throughout the state of Hawai‘i. The Hawaiian Airlines Foundation annually presents grants in three categories: education, culture and environment.

In 2014, corporate giving supported 128 organizations, while more than 1,700 employees volunteered at events sponsored by 48 organizations.

Additionally, Hawaiian matches miles (up to 500,000) donated to 10 designated charities, including the American Cancer Society Hawai‘i Pacific.

Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com.