Mammograms to Maui Women in Need

Maui Health Foundation launched its October breast cancer awareness campaign and annual fundraiser, Kōkua For A Cause, which helps provide screening mammograms to women on Maui who are uninsured or underinsured and unable to afford the potentially life-saving exam.

Maui Health Foundation employees and their families shared the Kokua For A Cause fundraiser with the Maui residents and visitors at Wailuku First Friday this month. Photo credit: Maui Health Foundation

“Kōkua for a Cause (K4C) is a really important campaign for our community as a whole,” said Melinda Sweany, who leads Maui Health’s Foundation as Chief Development Officer. “Statistics have shown that screening mammograms can save lives by diagnosing breast cancer early, thus requiring less extensive treatment that then produces better outcomes.”

Since 2005, Maui Health Foundation has helped provide over $354,000 in critical cancer screenings for over 1,000 women on Maui. This year, the non-profit organization has set a goal of raising enough funds through Kōkua For A Cause to provide mammograms to at least 100 women in need on the island.

“From small and large businesses, to our own Maui Health employees and Foundation members, and individual donations in every amount, the support has been nothing short of amazing,” said Sweany. “But we still need more help to reach our goal.”

“What we want people to know is that every donation made to Kōkua For A Cause stays on this island. Many other breast cancer campaigns support our state, and some even get shared nationally. But our community can be sure that their donations are guaranteed to help a beloved mother, daughter, sister, or friend, on Maui,” she said.

Individuals who would like to support K4C can shop or dine at a Kōkua For A Cause Pink Partner location, form a Pink Ribbon Team to collect enough donations to pay for a mammogram ($200), or make an individual donation.

Pink Partners are businesses who have agreed to donate a portion of their sales to K4C for the month of October, and include: Betty’s Beach Café, Café O’Lei, Cupcake Ladies Catering Co, Essential Oils Maui, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Ocean Jazz Jewelry, Panda Express, Rose Lash Boutique, and The Mill House Maui.

Additional partners are being added each week through Oct. 31. For an updated list as well as additional ways to support, visit mauihospitalfoundation.org/kokua/.