Issuu

Getting There, Together

Dear PCF ‘Ohana,

One of the things I think about often in this work is how people move through it all. Not just the diagnosis or the treatment, but everything in between. The appointments, the waiting, the questions, the daily life that continues even when everything feels uncertain.

For many of the individuals and families we walk alongside, one of the first challenges is simply getting where they need to be. Sometimes that means a ride across town. Sometimes it means a flight to O‘ahu. And sometimes, it means figuring out how to take that next step when you are not sure where to begin. At Pacific Cancer Foundation, that is often where we start. We help people get to their appointments. We help coordinate travel. We help ease the pressure that can come with missed work, added expenses, and the many moving pieces of care. But what I’ve come to see over time is that it’s never just about the ride. It’s about what that support makes possible.

It means a husband and wife can travel

together for treatment without worrying about how they will afford it. It means someone can make it to an appointment without having to rearrange their entire family’s schedule. It means having one less thing to carry in a moment that already feels heavy.

Often, it begins with something simple. A conversation. A moment to sit down, talk story, and understand what someone is going through. From there, we figure it out together. Every person who walks through our door brings their own story, their own needs, and their own way of moving through this experience. Our role is to listen, guide, and connect them with the support that feels right for them.

In this issue, you’ll meet a few of the individuals who remind me why this work matters so much. Their stories show us how even the smallest moments of support can make a meaningful difference.

With aloha and gratitude, Andrea Bacos Patient

Navigator

Want to dive deeper into these stories?

The Kukui Journal is our online storytelling space where we share ongoing stories, updates, and insights from the Pacific Cancer Foundation. From client journeys and program highlights to community partnerships and behind-the-scenes moments, this is where we shine a light on the resilience, connection, and impact of our work.

Each month, we feature: Shining Bright –Stories of hope and perseverance. Taking Root – Updates on the growth of our programs. Branching Out – The partnerships that make it all possible.

Stay connected with the heart of our mission. Visit The Kukui Journal to read the latest stories and sign up for our email list to receive updates each month!

Getting There, Together: How transportation becomes something more

For Midgie, life revolves around family.

Her home is full of movement, noise, and the everyday flow of children and grandchildren coming and going. Most afternoons, her five granddaughters can be found close by. “Five granddaughters from age 12 down to age 5… they keep me on my toes.”

When Midgie was diagnosed with endometrial uterine cancer in early 2024, those girls became one of the biggest reasons she kept pushing forward. After a hysterectomy, six rounds of chemotherapy, and a year of immunotherapy treatments, recovery was not always easy. But she stayed focused on getting back to the life she loved. “I want to fight it and get myself together. The girls was like a big, big help. I had five nurses on duty every day.”

Today, Midgie says she is feeling a lot better and is now in remission while continuing regular monitoring and PET scans. But one lasting side effect of treatment has been severe neuropathy in her hands and feet. “I had to stop driving of course because the neuropathy was really really bad.” Her family helped whenever they could. Her son arranged his work schedule

around Monday appointments so he could drive her to treatment. But cancer care rarely fits neatly into one day a week, especially with specialists traveling from O‘ahu and appointments constantly shifting.

That’s when Pacific Cancer Foundation’s Patient Navigation team stepped in.

Midgie still remembers meeting Andrea for the first time while walking into an appointment at the Pacific Cancer Institute. “She said, ‘Oh you new here?’ and I said yeah… she was introducing me to the nurses in the cancer center and all that. Then she said, ‘When you’re done, come see me, my office right there.’”

After the appointment, Midgie and her husband sat down with Andrea and began talking story. “So first she asked me my situation. So I told her and she’s like, ‘Okay, because we offer this. We offer that.’ What? She goes, ‘Yeah, because we help service the patients.’” What Midgie remembers most is not just the information they shared, but the way they made her feel. “I could talk to her openly. I didn’t even know her

she needed help understanding something, they walked her through it patiently. And if they did not know an answer, they helped find someone who did. “If she knows, she’ll tell you. If she don’t know, she’ll find out.”

For Midgie, transportation support meant much more than simply getting from one place to another. It meant not having to constantly rearrange her family’s lives around appointments. It meant being able to focus more fully on healing, recovery, and the people waiting for her at home. “Doing the whole Uber thing was so much easier because I didn’t have to go look for a person, I didn’t have to have anybody take time out of their day, you know, everybody works.”

When Midgie needed PET scans on O‘ahu, Andrea helped coordinate transportation to the airport and made sure everything was in place before they left. “She would set it all up…and I never had any problems. Nobody was ever late for anything.” That reliability gave Midgie peace of mind during a season of life that often felt uncertain. “She gave me

“Often insurance wanted to challenge a caregiver going along, and to know we both could go was a huge burden lifted.”

at all… She made us comfortable. My husband and I…just talking to her. Just speaking the truth. Not holding back anything.” From there, the relationship continued to grow, and comfort turned into trust.

Over time, Andrea and Tori became the people Midgie called whenever questions came up. If she needed transportation to an appointment, they arranged it. If

a lot of info on everything. Who to contact, when to contact them, what days things were available… so over these past two years, it was easier for me to know, okay, if you gotta do this, jot it down in my calendar and everything. And I could focus on the girls.”

For Aunty Andrea and Uncle Brian, support looked different, but the feeling was much the same.

Midgie

In the years following the Lahaina Fire, Andrea and Brian Haia were still rebuilding their lives when they received another life-changing piece of news.

“One year to the day of the fire Brian was diagnosed with cancer in his jaw, cheek, tongue and throat. Less than 2 weeks later we were in O‘ahu getting the jaw and tongue removed.” The surgery and radiation treatments that followed created lasting challenges, requiring ongoing trips to O‘ahu for specialized care. “While we were always grateful those doctors were available to us, it’s a lot to do. As a caregiver, it was exhausting; I can only imagine 10x worse for the patient.” Through Pacific Cancer Foundation and Maui United Way’s partnership with Southwest Airlines, Aunty Andrea and Uncle Brian received support with flights and transportation, allowing them to travel together for treatment without carrying the full financial burden on their own. “Often insurance wanted to challenge a caregiver going along, and to know we both could go was a huge burden lifted.”

Transportation & Travel

Ground transportation

Flights & Lodging on O‘ahu

Appointment coordination

Financial & Practical Support

Insurance navigation

Financial assistance

Resource referrals

lodging through the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Honolulu, giving them a place to stay close to his medical care during one of the hardest stretches of treatment.

After long hospital days, appointments, and the exhaustion that comes with constant travel, it became a place where they could finally exhale for a moment. A place

Wellness & Healing

Nutritional support

Wellness Programs

Support groups

One-on-one Support

Talk story

Personalized guidance

Caregiver support

They take the time to listen. They explain things patiently and step by step. They keep it real, answer questions honestly, and help families feel comfortable enough to ask for help. And if they do not have an answer right away, they will help find one.

For many clients, that relationship becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their experience.

“She was my own walking phone book.”

to rest, regroup, and simply focus on getting through one day at a time together.

For Aunty Andrea, one memory stands out especially clearly. “Our time at Hope Lodge was a true shelter in the storm! We will be forever grateful.” During Brian’s treatment on O‘ahu, Pacific Cancer Foundation helped coordinate

At Pacific Cancer Foundation, Andrea and Tori help clients navigate the many moving pieces that come with cancer care. That can mean arranging transportation and lodging, helping coordinate appointments, answering insurance questions, connecting families with financial resources, or simply helping someone understand what comes next. But for many clients, what stands out most is the way they make people feel.

As Midgie says, Andrea became “my own walking phone book.”

Patient navigation becomes more than just one service. It becomes a bridge to support. A bridge to transportation. A bridge to financial assistance. A bridge to answers, reassurance, and community.

And sometimes, simply a familiar voice on the other side of the phone reminding you that you do not have to figure it all out alone.

“If I could share one message,” Midgie says, “make sure they go talk to Andrea or Tori.”

Aunty Andrea and Uncle Brian

Andrea Bacos Patient Navigator

Tori Golis-Bacos Care Coordinator

PACIFIC CANCER FOUNDATION

JUNE 2026

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-1:30pm UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm

Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-1:30pm UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm

Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 6:15-7:30pm Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-1:30pm UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm

Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 11:00am-1:30pm PVH: SNAP & MedQUEST Assistance

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 9:30-10:30am PCF: Neuropathy Support Class 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 3:00-4:00pm PCF: Qigong

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-1:30pm UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm

Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 11:00am-1:30pm

PVH: SNAP & MedQUEST Assistance

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 9:30-10:30am PCF: Neuropathy Support Class 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group

4:00-5:30pm PCF: Healing Circles

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3:00-4:00pm PCF: Qigong

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 3:00-4:00pm PCF: Qigong 4:00-5:00pm MCR: Head & Neck Support Group

JULY 2026

Explore Our Resource Library

Find trusted resources for cancer patients, caregivers, and families across Maui County.

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-1:30pm UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm

Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group 4:00-5:30pm PCF: Healing Circles

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-1:30pm UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm

Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 9:00am-12:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Lahaina 11:00am-1:30pm PVH: SNAP & MedQUEST Assistance

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 11:00am-1:30pm PVH: SNAP & MedQUEST Assistance

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group 4:00-5:30pm PCF: Healing Circles

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group

4:00-5:30pm PCF: Healing Circles

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group 4:00-5:30pm PCF: Healing Circles

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 3:00-4:00pm PCF: Qigong

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 9:30am-1:30pm UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 11:00am-1:30pm PVH: SNAP & MedQUEST Assistance 30 8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group 4:00-5:30pm PCF Healing Circles

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 3:00-4:00pm PCF: Qigong 4:00-5:00pm MCR: Head & Neck Support Group

AUGUST 2026

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-1:30pm UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-12:00pm PCF: Cancer Thriving & Surviving 6-Week Workshop

Cancer: Thriving & Surviving

6-week Workshop Series

Practical tools and support for navigating life with cancer

Tuesdays starting August 4th, 9:30am - 12:00pm Cameron Center, Wailuku

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 11:00am-1:30pm PVH: SNAP & MedQUEST Assistance

By Appointment Nordstrom Prosthesis Fitting

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 6:15-7:30pm Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-1:30pm

UVSC: Office Hours

6:15-7:30pm Imua PT: Restorative Yoga

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-12:00pm PCF: Cancer Thriving & Surviving 6-Week Workshop

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

9:30am-12:00pm PCF: Cancer Thriving & Surviving 6-Week Workshop

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 11:00am-1:30pm PVH: SNAP & MedQUEST Assistance

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group 4:00-5:30pm PCF: Healing Circles

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 3:00-4:00pm PCF: Qigong

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 9:30am-12:00pm PCF: Cancer Thriving & Surviving 6-Week Workshop

8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 11:00am-1:30pm PVH: SNAP & MedQUEST Assistance

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8:00am-3:00pm PCF: Patient Navigation in Wailuku 10:00-11:00am MCR: Stronger Together Support Group

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6:15-7:30pm Imua PT: Restorative Yoga 31 30 7:00pm Battle of the Badges Softball Game

Protecting What Matters: Donor Spotlight on David McCord, Founder of Maui Vera

For David McCord, founder of Maui Vera, a growing partnership with Pacific Cancer Foundation began through a shared commitment to care and community.

After more than two decades working in some of Maui’s top resort spas, David had access to some of the most sought-after skincare products in the world. But when it came to sun care, something felt missing.

“I never saw any organic sun care,” he shared. “All the spas still had the same products we all grew up with. And I just kept thinking, there has to be something cleaner, something better.” That belief stayed with him. Years later, it became the foundation for Maui Vera.

What started with a simple aloebased formula has grown into a line of mineral sunscreens and after-sun care products rooted in thoughtful ingredients and a desire to care for both people and place. From essential oils to uncoated zinc, David has taken a hands-on approach, studying each ingredient and how it works on the skin.

“It’s really about offering the

cleanest, best products we can,” he said. “There’s so much information out there, and people don’t always know what to trust. I just try to focus on doing things the right way.”

Living in Hawai‘i has shaped

For

David’s connection to PCF grew through his support of Paddle for Life, where Maui Vera provided sunscreen and after-sun care for every participant, helping paddlers stay protected and cared for during their time on the water. He also

PCF, partnerships like this are about more than sponsorship. They reflect a shared commitment to community, where local businesses and nonprofits work together to support the health and well-being of our

that perspective in important ways. “The sun is such a big part of life here,” David shared. “There are real health benefits to being outside, but it’s about understanding your limits and taking care of your skin. Simple things, like reapplying sunscreen regularly, can make a big difference.”

That balance, between enjoying life and caring for your health, is something Pacific Cancer Foundation sees every day in the community it serves.

islands.

recently featured PCF on the Maui Vera website, helping to extend awareness and support to individuals and families navigating cancer across Maui County.

Read more about David’s work, his approach to sun care, and his growing partnership with PCF in The Kukui Journal online.

Scan the QR code to continue reading:

Maui Vera mineral sunscreen

Maui Vera provided sunscreen and after-sun care for each participant at Paddle for Life

Every act of kindness makes a difference. Whether you have time, skills, or resources to give, there are many ways to help ensure no one in Maui County faces cancer alone.