Maui Organization Kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mālama Yo Mama, a community organization on Maui created an event to benefit uninsured and underinsured women of Maui with screenings and biopsies throughout the year.

Leslie, owner of Mālama Yo Mama gathered over 62 small businesses to partake in a silent auction with services and products valued over $8,000. The businesses ranged from beauty, health and wellness, art and photography, food and fashion and entertainment. 

The event took place on Saturday, Oct. 9 at The Pop Up Shop Maui. Though there were restrictions on gathering sizes, Leslie took the proper steps to host the commercial event by getting it approved by the Mayor.

Mālama Yo Mama focuses on bringing the community together. “It has been a tough time for many to push forward in their businesses,” so the event sought to “support the community and show everyone that there is hope and there are ways to accomplish our goals safely.”

Leslie’s goals were to help small businesses grow through this tough time with more exposure to those that donated. She was also able to spread awareness about her own organization and allowed the community to learn more about her future plans and goals that she has through educational workshops and events, mentorship programs, business collaborations and more.

She was also able to donate $ 3,800 in gifts and monetary donations to the Maui Health Foundation’s annual fundraiser “Kōkua for a Cause.” 

“Our donation  will provide uninsured and underinsured women on Maui access to life-saving preventative breast cancer screenings and biopsies. With the support of this event, The Maui Health Foundation will be able to cover at least 19 mammograms for our Maui women in need,” she said.

Breast cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in Hawai’i. The funds that were donated will allow women in the community to receive mammograms and encourage preventative care.