Queen`s Legacy Newsletter - North Hawaii Community Hospital

The Queen’s Legacy
A Publication of The Queen’s Health Systems, Fund Development Department • Vol 5, Issue 3
Landmark QMC–MD Anderson
®
Cancer Network Affiliation
I
hardly remember anything after Dr. David
Tamura explained to me that I had cancer,”
said Wilma Nielsen. “Receiving this diagnosis was
very frightening; however, Dr. Tamura assured me that
the Queen’s Cancer Center team would chart out the best
treatment of care for me. I’m so grateful that he placed
my care in the hands of Dr. Paul Morris. During my first
appointment with him, I recall him being very patient
and thoughtful as he thoroughly explained to me my
diagnosis and possible treatment
options. As I thought about the
options presented, I contemplated
going to the mainland for
treatment, but knew that it would
mean being away from my family
and friends, in a place where I
possibly would not know anyone.
It was during this time when
Dr. Morris mentioned to me that
The Queen’s Medical Center
(QMC) would become the first hospital in Hawaii to
work with MD Anderson Cancer Network®. When Dr.
Morris explained that the partnership would allow me to
receive the best cancer care available, at home, the
weight of the burden that I was carrying, with regards to
deciding where I should seek my care, was lifted.”
MD Anderson Cancer Network was created to
advance MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer by
collaborating with community hospitals and health
systems nationwide on quality improvement and best
practices. QMC is one of 12 certified members in the
network that reaches across 11 states. “While excellent
cancer care has always been provided by the staff of the
Queen’s Cancer Center, this new affiliation with MD
Anderson Cancer Network helps to elevate cancer care
in our community by providing patients access to the
expertise of the nation’s number one cancer center,” said
Art Ushijima, QMC President.
According to the American
Cancer Society, this year in Hawaii
more than 6,700 residents will be
diagnosed with cancer, and more
than 2,400 people will lose their
lives to cancer. “Access to
evidence-based, disease-specific
guidelines for cancer treatment,
prevention, early detection, and
follow-up care developed by
national leaders in cancer care puts
our patients first. This national access, matched with our
established excellence in cancer care, serves to further
improve the likelihood of positive outcomes for our
cancer patients, right here at home,” explained Paul
Morris, M.D., Chair of the QMC Cancer Committee and
Co-Principal Investigator of the National Cancer
Institute’s Community Oncology Research Project for
Hawaii.
Collaborative
Relationships:
The Future of
Health Care in
North Hawaii.
Page 3
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INSIDE
From the President & CEO
1859
Trustees of The Queen’s Health Systems
and Affiliates*
Maenette Benham, Ed.D.
Gary L. Caulfield
Diane E. Cecchettini, R.N.
Lance Dunbar
Ernest H. Fukeda, Jr.
Christine M. Gayagas
Peter Halford, M.D.
Peter K. Hanashiro
Lyle Y. Harada
Robert W. Hastings, II
David C. Hulihee
Keawe‘aimoku Kaholokula, Ph.D.
Stanley M. Kuriyama
Neil Kuyper
Richard M. Levy, Ph.D.
Robert K. Lindsey, Jr.
Sherry Menor-McNamara
Kahu Billy Mitchell
Robert R. Momsen
Steven D. Nishida, M.D.
Robb K. Ohtani, M.D.
Stephen Petro
Andrew Schwartz, M.D.
James Steinwascher
Paul G. Stevens, M.D.
R. Brian Tsujimura
Allen B. Uyeda
Jenai S. Wall
Barry Weinman
Leslie Wilcox
C. Scott Wo, Ph.D.
Eric K. Yeaman
*Community volunteers serving without compensation
System Leadership Council
Arthur A. Ushijima, FACHE
QHS President & Chief Executive Officer
and QMC President
Jason C. Chang
QHS/QMC Executive Vice President
& Chief Operating Officer
Robert K.W.H. Nobriga
QHS Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Whitney M. Limm, M.D.
QHS Executive Vice President, Clinical Integration
& Chief Physician Executive
Eric K. Martinson
QHS Senior Vice President,
Endowment & Chief Investment Officer,
QDC and QEL President
Susan R. Murray, FACHE
QHS Senior Vice President, West O‘ahu Region and
QMC – West O‘ahu Chief Operating Officer
Paula Yoshioka
QHS/QMC Senior Vice President, Corporate
Development
Janice Kalanihuia
MGH President
Kenneth D. Graham, FACHE
NHCH President
Richard Okazaki
DLS President
Gerard K. Akaka, M.D.
QHS Vice President, Native Hawaiian Affairs
& Clinical Support
Darlena Chadwick, R.N., FACHE
QHS/QMC Vice President, Patient Care
Les Chun, M.D.
QHS/QMC Vice President, Medical Staff Services
& Chief Quality Officer
Les Goya
QEL Vice President and QDC Vice President
Kathy Green, R.N.
QHS/QMC Vice President, Patient Care
Cindy Kamikawa, R.N.
QHS/QMC Vice President, Nursing
& Chief Nursing Officer
Bernadette Merlino
QHS/QMC Vice President, Ambulatory Services
Kathy Morimoto
QHS Vice President, Strategic Planning
John S. Nitao
QHS Vice President & General Counsel
Hunter Praywell
QHS Vice President, Information Technology
& Chief Information Officer
Karen L. Schultz, R.N.
QHS/QMC Vice President, Patient Care
Nona Tamanaha
QHS Vice President, Human Resources
Sharlene K. Tsuda
QHS Vice President, Community Development
Fund Development Department
A new era in the fight against cancer has arrived.
Dear Friends of Queen’s,
On behalf of the Queen’s ‘Ohana, we wish you and your family a joyous
holiday season. This past year has been remarkable. Keeping pace with
the continued growth in our community’s need for health
care services has led to expanding access, strengthening
services, and adding jobs, while remaining focused on
patients first.
Thanks to the continuous dedication of our leadership,
physicians, and employees who strive to put patients first in
every aspect of their daily work, The Queen’s Medical Center
(QMC) was recognized as the Best Hospital in Hawaii by U.S.
News & World Report in its annual Best Hospitals rankings for
the fifth consecutive year. QMC was also named as a Top
Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint
Commission.
Arthur A. Ushijima
In addition, Queen’s announced two significant
affiliations: Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient
Safety and Quality in July 2015 to further demonstrate our commitment
to patient safety; and MD Anderson Cancer Network® in September
2015 to elevate cancer care in Hawaii. As highlighted in this issue’s
cover article, our affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network will
provide QMC physicians access to evidence-based guidelines,
treatment plans, and best practices developed by MD Anderson
experts. These are disease-specific guidelines for cancer treatment,
cancer prevention, early detection, and follow-up care. The guidance
and expertise provided by both institutions will help us build on our
foundation of health care excellence.
As you read through the featured articles in this newsletter, I hope
you will be inspired by the stories of our ‘Ohana and programs that
make Queen’s the special place that it is. Our donor newsletter is really
about you and all the ways that you have made a difference to the
individuals and families whom we are privileged to serve.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
Mahalo nui loa,
Phone: (808) 691-4976
Natalie J. Arrell
Tricia Fetui
QHS Director,
Development
QHS Administrative
Secretary
Wanye Higaki
NHCH Chief Development Officer
Julia Ramos
NHCH Manager
Don Weisman, Jason Y. Kimura,
Glee Stormont
Arthur A. Ushijima, FACHE
President & CEO
Contributors
Steven Ledbetter
Ledbetter Kennedy Creative, Graphic Design
The Queen’s Legacy, Vol. 5, No. 3, is published four
times a year by The Queen’s Health Systems,
Fund Development Department, 1301 Punchbowl St.,
Honolulu, HI 96813. The Queen’s Medical Center,
Molokai General Hospital, and North Hawai‘i
Community Hospital are 501(c)(3) non-profit
corporations. © 2015 The Queen’s Health Systems,
All rights reserved.
2
The Queen’s Legacy
Partnering to Meet Community Needs
“Your Health. Our Mission.”
An Evening at Nanea
T
he panoramic view from the Hualalai
mountain is breathtaking. With unobstructed
views of the Pacific Ocean, along with spectacular
sunsets, it is no wonder that it is considered one of the
most scenic views on Hawaii Island. Nestled within its
rolling hills and surrounded by a landscape of black lava
rock is the exclusive Nanea Golf Club.
Nanea in the Hawaiian language means to engage
with, to be fascinated by, enjoyment, leisure, to absorb
interest, and to have a good time, all of which describe the
perfect venue for North Hawai‘i Community Hospital’s
(NHCH) first friend-raising event as a member of The
Queen’s Health Systems (QHS) ‘ohana.
The intimate event, co-hosted by Don Lucas and
Robert “Bob” Momsen (QHS and NHCH Trustee), was
designed to bring old and new NHCH friends together, as
well as to share Queen’s future health care plans for
Hawaii Island residents.
The evening began with a beautiful oli by Diane
Paloma, Ph.D., QHS Director of the Native Hawaiian
Health Program. “Oli Ke Welina,” was selected explained
Paloma “as it welcomes guests in attendance, inviting
them to drink and partake of the knowledge and
collaborative relationships, as well as encourages everyone
to consider the many perspectives, and to begin to see
clearly, concisely, and with intent.”
Following the oli, Momsen and Lucas welcomed guests
and shared their thoughts on NHCH’s affiliation with QHS.
“Since North Hawai‘i Community Hospital joined The
Queen’s Health Systems in January 2014, there is renewed
confidence in the stability of North Hawai‘i Community
Hospital from its leadership and staff, and the community.
Queen’s Mission of ‘providing in perpetuity quality health
care services to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians
and all of the people of Hawaii’ now extends formally to the
Big Island. The progress under Queen’s leadership has been
fantastic over the last year and a half. The measurable
improvements in quality and patient safety are particularly
impressive. This is an exciting time for health care in
Hawaii,” remarked Momsen.
Art Ushijima, QHS President and Chief Executive
Officer, affirmed the significance of Queen’s Mission that
led to its affiliation with NHCH. “Our affiliation with
North Hawai‘i Community Hospital demonstrates our longstanding commitment to our Founders’ vision by providing
the needed resources to meet the growing health care needs
in Hawaii. We are delighted to be a part of the North
Hawaii community and hope that we can make a positive
and meaningful difference,” noted Ushijima.
Ken Graham, NHCH President, followed with an
update on projects completed during the past year and
projects to look forward to in 2016 and beyond. “To help
ensure the very best in patient outcomes, and to ensure
quality and proficiency in the future, we examined previous
and current practices. We have determined that physician
recruitment and retention are critical factors to our future
success in meeting our community’s health care needs,”
stated Graham. He further explained that a physician
recruitment committee was formed with specific outcome
goals to help measure progress. He concluded with the
announcement that four new physicians will soon be
joining the North Hawai‘i Community Hospital ‘ohana.
Gary Goldberg, M.D., NHCH Chief Medical Officer,
closed the formal program by sharing his insight on the
transformation that occurs when a community hospital
becomes part of a health system. “I view our affiliation with
Queen’s as an opportunity to build bridges across health care
providers, increase the availability of high-quality care, foster
quality improvement, and promote professional and
operational excellence. Queen’s Founders set the foundation
for health care excellence over 156 years ago; as a health care
provider, I’m honored to carry forth their vision to provide
the best health care for the people of Hawaii.”
As the gathering concluded, many guests remarked that
they enjoyed spending the evening with old and new
friends, and look forward to the positive impact Queen’s
will have on the future of health care for the residents of
Hawaii Island.
1
2
3
4
The Queen’s Health Systems, Fund Development Department
“Excellent health care
is of utmost importance
to Big Island residents.
We are pleased to
partner with Queen’s
to provide a venue
for this evenings event.”
— Jim Saunders,
General Manager,
Nanea Golf Club
Photo 1: (l to r): Kenneth
Graham, Art Ushijima,
Don Lucas, and Bob Momsen;
2: Susan Kobayashi, Sally
Lucas, Lynn Lally, and
Bert Kobayashi;
3: Doane Triggs,
Gary Goldberg, M.D.,
and Joe Triggs;
4: Michael Meyrowitz, M.D.
Gail Gross, Ph.D., Ed.D.,
M.Ed., and Earl Bakken.
3
A Legacy of Giving
Alexander Pan, M.D., Adnan Bhopalwala, M.D., Omar Abdul Ghani, M.D., the late David Fergusson, M.D.
Dr. David Fergusson: A Legacy
T
“David’s passions
were his patients
and learning.
He never
stopped learning.”
— Moira Fergusson
4
he Queen’s Medical Center (QMC)
community was saddened by the death of retired
QMC cardiologist David J. Fergusson, M.D.
Fergusson died in October at the age of 83. He was
viewed by his peers as a trailblazer in cardiology, both in
Hawaii and internationally.
Born in England where he completed his
undergraduate education, he moved to South Africa
where he completed most of his medical training while
working at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, that
nation’s premier medical facility for cardiovascular
treatment, where cardiothoracic surgeon Christiaan
Barnard performed the world’s first successful human
heart transplant in 1967. Fergusson later completed a
two-year fellowship at the Department of
Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiac Laboratory at the
Cleveland Clinic in Ohio where he studied under
Mason Sones, Jr., M.D., who had discovered coronary
angiography in 1958. Beginning in 1966, Fergusson
served as a staff cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic,
where he collaborated with cardiac surgeon Rene
Favaloro, M.D., who performed the first coronary bypass
operation on one of Fergusson’s patients.
In 1969, Fergusson was recruited to Hawaii by
Straub Hospital where he worked for 21 years and
performed Hawaii’s first coronary angiogram. He left
Straub to work in private practice for 16 years in the
Queen’s Physicians Office Building II. During that time,
he continued to expand his clinical skills, training with
Andreas Gruentzig, M.D., who had originated coronary
angioplasty in 1977. Fergusson and Queen’s cardiologist
John Cogan, M.D., were credited as being the first to
bring that treatment to Hawaii.
In 2007, Fergusson joined The Queen’s Heart
Physician Practice, where he and fellow cardiologists
Robert Hong, M.D., and Irv Schatz, M.D., began the
cardiovascular fellowship program of QMC, sponsored
under the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School
of Medicine (JABSOM), which at the time lacked a
training program for physicians wanting to specialize in
cardiovascular care. In 2010, with funding for the
fellowship coming from Queen’s, Hawaii’s
Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program began
training two fellows per year, each over a 36-month
period. The fellowship has grown from two to three
fellows per year with continued funding from Queen’s.
Fergusson also continued to pursue innovations in
cardiovascular treatment, championing The Queen’s
Medical Center’s “door-to-balloon” initiative, which
helped to reduce the time from arrival at the hospital to
clearing of a patient’s blocked artery using angioplasty
to well under one hour, saving heart muscle and
improving the patient’s long-term outcome. “Unless you
knew David, you would never have known that he was
a leader in Hawaii, and for that matter the world, in
cardiovascular treatment innovation,” said Hong,
The Queen’s Medical Center’s medical director of The
Queen’s Heart Physician Practice. “He was very modest,
a gentleman’s gentleman, soft spoken, but excellent
clinically and in cardiology. He was also committed to
sharing his knowledge and experience to teach the next
generation of physicians. He was a key clinical faculty
member at JABSOM and at our Cardiovascular Disease
Fellowship Program. Some physicians are good
clinically but don’t have the passion to teach. David
had both qualities. I first met him 1987 and feel lucky to
have counted him as a friend, and as a colleague.”
“David’s passions were his patients and learning,”
said Fergusson’s wife, Moira. “He never stopped
learning. Among his close friends was Kenneth Emory,
who was an anthropologist at Bishop Museum who
helped develop the theory of Polynesian migration to
Hawaii through wayfaring. David loved talking with
him about that history. David was also very close with
Reverend Abraham Akaka. The two of them were
common souls sharing an interest in the good of
humanity.”
Fergusson is survived by his wife Moira, son Mark,
daughters Irene Driscoll and Nicola Dreibholtz,
stepsons Grant and Wayne Seligson,
The Queen’s Legacy
A Legacy Continues
The Cardiac Fellowship Program
T
he Queen’s Medical Center (QMC) has
honored the late QMC Cardiologist David J.
Fergusson by renaming its cardiovascular disease
training fund the David Fergusson, M.D. Education
Fund, to support training in Cardiovascular Disease.
“David was committed to sharing his wealth of
knowledge and technical expertise with young
physicians,” said Robert Hong, M.D., program director
of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program.
“While he was recognized internationally for his clinical
abilities, he was equally talented as a teacher. He really
enjoyed that part of his work. Honoring him in this way
is the most appropriate way to celebrate all that he
brought to
The Queen’s Medical Center, its patients, and to
medical care in Hawaii.”
“David loved his teaching and his students,” said
Fergusson’s wife, Moira. “I think one of the things they
loved was when he’d astound them with his ability to
make an initial diagnosis without tools. He was very
attentive with his patients and, with his vast knowledge
of cardiology, he was good at identifying their problems
just on his intuition and experience. He was very kind,
got along with everyone, and never let anything bother
him. I think those qualities endeared him to his
students, and to his colleagues.”
The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program
added an important facet to QMC’s commitment to
staff training. The fellowship program idea was
developed by Fergusson, Hong, and the late University
of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine Chair of
Medicine and Queen’s Cardiologist Irv Schatz. Their
idea came to fruition with funding from The Queen’s
Medical Center in 2010. It currently includes nine fellows,
with each participating over a three-year period. During
their training, the fellows also provide patient services
in the Medical Center and in its clinics, where they
often care for those disparately affected and with limited
economic resources to cover their treatment.
“Our clinics provide a safety net for caring for those
patients,” said Hong. “The fellows are supervised by our
staff to ensure patient safety. They are expected to
follow the principle of ‘Kina‘ole,’ the Hawaiian word for
flawlessness: doing the right thing, at the right time, for
the right reason, in the right way, for the right person,
the first time.”
“Over half of our cardiac patients are seen by our
fellows,” Hong added. “The fellows recorded almost
1,400 outpatient visits at the Queen’s Heart Physician
Practice and at the Queen Emma Clinics in 2014-2015.
It costs Queen’s approximately $200,000 per year to
train each fellow, but we view that as an important
investment in Hawaii’s future health.”
The cardiovascular fellows care for a variety of
general and complex advanced cardiology
interventions. It is part of a broader training program,
including training provided to physicians and nurses.
The program has been responsible for providing access
to new innovative procedures at QMC, such as advanced
heart failure evaluation and treatment, treatment of
structural heart disease, treatment of adults with congenital
heart disease and complex arrhythmias, as well as
interventions such as the use of a catheter to replace
aortic valves and to correct other cardiovascular defects.
“One of the things that sets our hospital apart from
others in Hawaii is our commitment to teaching,” said
Hong. “The fellowship program is just part of that. We
offer daily in-house conferences for our staff so that we
can continually provide the latest advances in patient
care. We also cover staff costs to travel for additional
training. All of our cardiovascular clinical faculty
members are required to also teach in the fellowship
program so that our investment in their training will be
shared with our next generation of physicians.
“Queen’s annual investment in cardiovascular
training tops $1 million per year,” added Hong, “but it’s
an important investment in the future of cardiovascular
care, and health care in Hawaii.”
“I think David would be quite thrilled and greatly
honored to know that the cardiovascular disease
training fund is being named for him,” Moira added.
The Fergusson family has asked that donations in
David’s memory be made to the cardiovascular disease
training fund at QMC. Contributions can be made by
contacting the Fund Development Department at
(808) 691-4976 or by email at [email protected].
“Not only was Dr. Fergusson
an excellent cardiologist,
committed to his patients
and to teaching
our next generation,
he was a true gentleman…
kind and selfless.
Hawaii is a better place
because of him.”
— Art Ushijima,
QHS President and CEO
The late David Fergusson, M.D., Kristine Oki, RN, Robert Hong, M.D., Sekon Won, M.D., Kahealani Rivera, M.D., Jeffrey Lau, M.D.
The Queen’s Health Systems, Fund Development Department
5
Transforming Lives
The Queen’s Medical Center’s Benefit
1
2
3
4
5
Photo 1: “Feel the Light” Performance; 2: (l to r) Daniel Alam, M.D., Art & Ruth Ushijima; and Christopher Klem, M.D.;
3: Jeffrey Yu, M.D., and Jennifer Diesman & Barry Sullivan; 4: Walter & Diane Dods, Heidi Berman, and Stanley Kuriyama;
5: Art Ushijima, David Hulihee, and Allen Uyeda.
A
“The greatest testament
that I can give to the value
of the Head & Neck Institute
is to be standing here today,
tumor- and, almost, scar-free.”
— Grateful Patient,
Kawehilani Akau
6
n evening at The Royal Hawaiian is
always elegant. When it’s a benefit for
The Queen’s Medical Center (QMC),
however, it becomes a true show stopper. “It’s
fantastic to have a sold-out event once again this
year. The community always responds with strong
support,” remarked Allen Uyeda, Benefit Dinner
Co-Chair and The
Queen’s Health
Systems Trustee.
“Our goal was to
net $450,000, and we
raised over $585,000
to benefit the Head &
Neck Institute.”
Although Uyeda has
co-chaired the event
for the past four years
with David Hulihee,
also a Queen’s Health
Systems Trustee, this is
the first year that he
has assumed the role as a Trustee. “As a new Trustee,
I have the opportunity to learn more and more about
the positive impact Queen’s has on health care in
Hawaii and the community. It is an honor to work
alongside a committee of such dedicated individuals
who care deeply about a hospital that so many of our
families, friends, and loved ones depend on,”
marveled Uyeda, referring to fellow Trustees and
Benefit Dinner vice chairs.
Upon arrival, guests entered the event through
the Great Lawn, where they posed for photos with
the iconic Waikiki Beach as the back drop. Once
indoors, the formal program opened with a welcome
message from Art Ushijima, president and chief
executive officer of The Queen’s Health Systems.
“The success of this event truly embodies the
incredible support that Queen’s receives from
business leaders like David Hulihee, Allen Uyeda,
and the many vice chair committee members, who so
generously gave of their time to planning this
evening’s event, and of the individuals, foundations,
and businesses in attendance this evening. My thanks
to each of you for your part in helping Queen’s
enhance the lives of those we serve.”
Following an exquisite dinner prepared by
Executive Sous Chef Kevin Nakata, Daniel Alam,
M.D., and Christopher Klem, M.D., of the Head &
Neck Institute, beneficiary of the evening’s proceeds,
spoke about their innovative whole-life approach to
medicine, and introduced Kawehilani Akau, a
grateful patient of the Head & Neck Institute. Akau
shared her dramatic story of the care she received just
a short time ago. “In the spring of 2008, I was
diagnosed with a rare tumor in my upper jaw. The
doctor’s solution (not at Queen’s) was a complete
resection, which would involve cutting my face along
my hairline from the top of my forehead down to my
chin, breaking my jaw and replacing it with a
titanium jaw, and then living with a complete set of
dentures for the rest of my life. I became very
apprehensive about the surgery, realizing that after
the surgery, I would be left with a large scar on my
face. After some thought, I elected not to remove the
tumor, and opted to wait for technology to catch up.
Some time had passed before the issue of removing
the tumor resurfaced; it was then that I was referred
The Queen’s Legacy
Dinner Illuminates
6
7
8
9
10
11
Photo 6: Leslie Chun, M.D. & Susan Lin, M.D., and Lucille Chun & Kenneal Chun, M.D.; 7: Lori Lum, Amy Hennessey, Representative
Della Bellati, and Noreen Reimel; 8: Stanley Kuriyama, Art Ushijima, Sharon Shiroma Brown, and Michael Lam; 9: Maenette Benham, Ed.D.,
Diane Paloma, Ph.D., Robin Miyamoto, Keawe Kaholokula, Ph.D., Noreen Mokuau, D.S.W., and Sharlene Tsuda; 10: Mark Yamakawa;
JoAnn Tsark, and Francis Oda; 11: Allen Uyeda, Daniel Alam, M.D., Michael Gold, Whitney Limm, M.D. & Harvalee Limm.
to Drs. Alam and Klem. During my first appointment
with them, they shared how the procedure and
technique they utilize would not just remove my
tumor, it could also potentially be done with minimal
scarring. I remember feeling a sense of renewed hope,
and it was with that new hope and confidence in
them, that gave me the strength to schedule the
surgery. The greatest testament that I can give to the
value of the Head & Neck Institute is to be standing
here today, tumor- and, almost, scar-free. I say almost
because, if you were standing next to me, face-toface, you would barely see where the incision was
made.” In closing, she thanked guests for supporting a
place of healing, restoration, and recovery in Hawaii.
Guests were treated to a special performance of
“Feel the Light,” which was choreographed by
theatre professionals Malindi Fickle and Roslyn
Catracchia, who volunteered their time and expertise
Celebration
of
L i fe
to create a touching performance. The talented cast
included physicians, nurses, dentists, technicians,
students, and survivors from the Queen’s Head &
Neck Cancer Support Group.
Following the performance, guests were eager to
support Illuminate, a special appeal that was kicked
off with the announcement of a $50,000 matching
gift made by Barry and Virginia Weinman. “Cancer,
sadly, has touched the lives of so many. We hope to
inspire guests in attendance to make a gift to support
the expansion of the Head & Neck Institute and
shine a light on the brilliant work of Drs. Klem and
Alam and their team,” explained the Weinmans.
The program concluded with a special
performance by Raiatea Helm, and guests ended the
evening enjoying coffee on the Great Lawn and
listening to the musical styling of Jeremy Cheng
under a beautifully starlit night.
The loss of a loved one, friend, or colleague often inspires us to ensure that their
memory lives on. Many people find supporting The Queen’s Medical Center is an
ideal way to honor someone who has passed away. Gifts made in their memory offer
a lasting tribute to a loved one while providing family and friends satisfaction of
knowing they have helped others. Thoughtful remembrances were received in loving
memory of the following individuals:
Mr. Kisuk Cheung
Ms. Irene Dupont
David J. Fergusson, M.D.
Mrs. Betty Y. Harada
Mr. Ralph T. Hashimoto
Mr. Richard T. Hata
Mr. Edwin S. Hulihee
Allan K. Izumi, M.D.
Mrs. Nancy Kim
Ms. Donna Stoyas
Mrs. Joanna Sullivan
The Queen’s Health Systems, Fund Development Department
7
Commitment to Excellence
MD Anderson
(continued from front cover)
“MD Anderson
institutions that are on
Cancer Network has
the cutting edge of
found in The Queen’s
progress,” emphasized
Medical Center a
Clayton Chong, M.D.,
member hospital that
QMC Chief of
shares its vision for
Oncology. “In order to
elevating the
deliver that kind of care,
standard of quality
we have to be willing to
patient care and
learn from the leading
advancing innovative
experts in cancer care
medicine,” remarked
and be able to apply that
Thomas Burke, M.D.,
harmoniously to the
Executive Vice
unique way that the
President, MD
people of Hawaii
Anderson Cancer
approach medicine. This
Network. “This is our
collaboration increases
first reach into the
the competency of all
Front Row (l to r): Jocelyn Tokuhara, AnnaLyn Ogata, Karla Ihara, Darlena Chadwick,
Pacific Rim, and we
involved in care delivery,
Willa Shimomura, and Kaye Kawahara, M.D.; Back Row: Paul Morris, M.D.,
are pleased that it is
and is a quality and
Randy Talavera, Shawn Scarlett, Jen Kimbell, Mike Yamamoto, and Clayton Chong, M.D.
through Queen’s, a
safety improvement for
distinguished part of Hawaii’s culture and history.” QMC is one of a select group of 75 currentlyour institution and patients.”
The Queen’s Cancer Center recently received accredited and newly-accredited cancer programs
“I’m so grateful to the physicians and staff
across the U.S., and the only hospital in Hawaii to who cared for me. I’m cancer-free and slowly
the Outstanding Achievement Award from the
receive this designation.
Commission on Cancer of the American College
returning back to doing all the things that I enjoy
“Oncology is such a dynamic disease; changes doing, which is spending time with my family and
of Surgeons, which recognizes the exceptional
occur all the time. With these changes, you need
level of cancer care provided to the community.
grandchild,” shared Nielsen.
A Gift that Says More...
Gifts made to the Grateful Patient Program
help us care for patients in a compassionate,
healing environment. It is possible that you or
your family may have benefited from the
generosity of past patients during a recent visit.
Donations from grateful patients help
support services such as emergency and
critical care, cancer care, heart care,
geriatric care, orthopedic care, nursing
programs and charity care.
If you would like to make a gift to Queen’s,
please call us at (808) 691-4976 or visit our
website at www.queens.org. Queen’s accepts
online donations through the Give to Queen’s
link on the bottom of our homepage.
Gifts can be made in honor of
individual caregivers, a specific nursing team,
physicians, pastoral care staff and others.