KCH Cancer Center welcomes Cancer Support Community Partnership
Kona Community Hospital (KCH) Cancer Center hosted an Open House event on Saturday to introduce its partnership with The Cancer Support Community (CSC). The partnership will deliver social and emotional support services to those touched by cancer in West Hawaii.
KCH is the first hospital in Hawaii to integrate CSC’s programs and services into the hospital setting. The organization focuses on direct services, policy and advocacy, and research and training. Its affiliate network includes 175 locations in the U.S., Canada, Japan and Israel.
Patient- and caregiver-centered resources now available via the KCH/CSC partnership include MyLifeLine, an online support community that fosters connection, inspiration and healing through interactive blogs and community discussion boards. Additionally, CSC’s Helping Calendar provides practical and private support to patients, their families and friends during the cancer journey.
Mele Murals returns to Big Island
Local artists, cultural advisors and students team up to create a large-scale, outdoor mural that focuses on the Hawaiian lyrics (mele), mo’olelo aina (stories of place), cultural and historical heritage of Waimea.
The Estria Foundation’s Mele Murals collaboration with Hawaii Preparatory Academy(HPA) and the Bill Healy Foundation on Hawaii Island is committed to the process of taking a huakai (field trip) to a significant local site, guided meditation to the aina and working with kupuna to help students uncover the subject of the mural. Participating schools include Kanu o ka Aina, Parker School, Alo Kehau, Punana Leo o Waimea, Waimea Elementary, Small World Preschool, Waimea Country School and Ke Kula o Ehunuikaimalino.
The students of the HPA Mele Murals project will begin their eight-day workshop on Wednesday, and the public is invited to observe the paint party at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Waimea Community Center. The mural will conclude with a community unveiling and blessing 3-4 p.m. Sept. 28, followed by music, food, fellowship and celebration at the Waimea Community Center.