100+ attend ‘Caring for Caregivers’ workshop at UH Cancer Center, to gain education, empowerment, connection
January 17, 2026
Participants at public event produced by Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community find tools, fellowship to aid the often-difficult journey of caring for a loved one
Providing care for a loved one through a serious condition such as cancer can feel difficult and isolating. More than 100 people gained supportive resources, new perspectives, and connection with others on similar journeys at “Caring for Caregivers,” a free interactive workshop on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center in Kaka‘ako.
In-person and online participants in the workshop learned about caregiver research conducted at the UH Cancer Center, received tips for self care, and practiced journaling as a way to express and process emotions safely. Attendees then broke out into separate discussion sessions, for caregivers, and for patients/survivors/thrivers, designed to foster open, supportive dialogue. It was the fourth quarterly workshop presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, a program of the UH Cancer Center.
“Caregiving can feel very lonely. But the message we want to convey to all caregivers is: You’re not alone,” said Peter Hirano, husband of the late Susan Hirano, who was a patient advocate and UH Cancer Center Hope Ambassador who founded the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community program. “Committing at least some energy for taking care of yourself, and connecting with a community such as our Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, can make a significant difference for your emotional well-being as a caregiver,” Hirano said.
In Hawaiʻi, more than 70,000 people are living with cancer. Among all Hawaiʻi adults, about 1 in every 4 are family caregivers. “Our event was intended to acknowledge, uplift, educate and empower caregivers, who often are among the unsung heroes of the cancer journey,” said Hirano. He gave a candidly emotional recounting of his experiences through his wife’s journey with cancer, in a presentation titled, “A Personal Caregiving Journey.”
Other featured presentations at the workshop:
- “Research and Resources to Support Caregivers and Patients”
Dr. Kevin Cassel, DrPH, MPH; Associate Director, Community Outreach and Engagement, and Associate Researcher, UH Cancer Center - “The Power of Helpful Thoughts”
Dr. Faryal Michaud, DO; Certified Life and Wellness Coach & Palliative Care Physician, The Queen's Medical Center
Michaud told attendees that it is natural and common for caregivers to feel anxious, and feel compelled to continually do more for their ill loved one. But rather than classify thoughts as good or bad, Michaud said, it may be useful to strive for “helpful thoughts” that feel “lighter.” She led attendees through a journaling exercise to reflect on recurring thoughts and gain some clarity, which was followed by the discussion in smaller breakout groups.
“It is important to connect with other people in your environment and your community, to talk and hold space for each other,” Michaud said. “As a caregiver, you may feel that your loved one’s experience takes precedence, but your experience as a caregiver is legitimate and important as well. Writing and talking about what you are going through can be tremendously beneficial."
The Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community (the acronym stands for Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-Being) was developed to strengthen and support cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families across Hawaiʻi. It offers quarterly workshops and support opportunities at no cost to attendees.
The public is invited to attend its free quarterly events. The next one, on April 18, is titled, “How Clinical Trials Save Lives.” To learn more about the program, go to uhcancercenter.org/cancercare.
