Four Seasons Wailea Gifts $11K in Fight Against Cancer

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea presented an $11,000 check to the American Cancer Society Clarence T. C. Ching Hope Lodge Hawaiʻi. Hope Lodge Hawaiʻi provides a free place to stay when a cancer patient’s best hope for effective treatment is in Honolulu.

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea presented an $11,000 check to the American Cancer Society Clarence T. C. Ching Hope Lodge Hawaiʻi.

Each year, an average of 650 cancer patients travel from the neighbor islands to Honolulu for life-saving cancer treatment. Some fly back and forth daily and others choose to stay on Oʻahu during treatment, with both options placing an immense financial burden on patients and their families.

“It’s hard for people on the neighbor islands who struggle with travel costs, and Hope Lodge Hawaiʻi gives them the relief to be able to focus on recovery,” said Joni Celiz, Community Development Manager at American Cancer Society. Hope Lodge Hawaiʻi saves cancer patients up to $1.38 million annually in lodging expenses.

On hand to accept the check from the Four Seasons Resort were Joni Celiz with HopeFest Maui event co-chairs Tyson Miyake and Raysha Mamala. HopeFest Maui is a gala dinner fundraiser coming up this Sept. 30, 2017, and is currently the only American Cancer Society event in Hawaiʻi where 100% of the proceeds directly benefit Hope Lodge Hawaiʻi.

“We’re very grateful to the Four Seasons for their support, and for partnering with us to host our dinner. It means a lot to Maui cancer patients to have Hope Lodge Hawaiʻi available,” said Tyson Miyake.

The HopeFest theme this year is “Maui by Moonlight” to celebrate the Maui community. Entertainment and auction items will include work from local artists and businesses. For tickets or table sponsorships, visit hopefestmaui.org.