Caring for a loved one with cancer can be isolating, but more than 100 people found support, education and connection at “Caring for Caregivers,” a free interactive workshop held January 17, at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center in Kakaʻako.
Presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, the quarterly workshop brought together in-person and online participants to learn about caregiver research, practice journaling for emotional processing, and take part in facilitated breakout discussions for caregivers and for patients, survivors and thrivers.
“Caregiving can feel very lonely. But the message we want to convey to all caregivers is: You’re not alone,” said Peter Hirano, whose late wife, Susan Hirano, was a patient advocate and founder of the Cancer CARE Community. He shared personal reflections from his wife’s cancer journey and emphasized the importance of self-care and connection.
‘Acknowledge, uplift, educate and empower’
In Hawaiʻi, more than 70,000 people are living with cancer, and about one in four adults are family caregivers. Hirano said the event was designed to “acknowledge, uplift, educate and empower caregivers, who often are among the unsung heroes of the cancer journey.”
Featured speakers included Kevin Cassel, associate director for community outreach and engagement at the UH Cancer Center, who highlighted current caregiver research and practical resources for patients and families. Faryal Michaud, a palliative care physician and certified life and wellness coach, led participants through a journaling exercise focused on reframing anxious or overwhelming thoughts.
“It is important to connect with other people in your environment and your community, to talk and hold space for each other,” Michaud said. “Your experience as a caregiver is legitimate and important as well.”
The next free workshop, “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” will be held April 18. More information is available at the UH Cancer Center website.
