UVSC HEROES
UVSC's Financial Assistance Program supports selected beneficiaries, called "UVSC Heroes," with their out-of-pocket cancer related costs. We work to build a community to support and provide hope to these brave individuals and their families. Learn more about some of our current and previous heroes below.
James
Previous HeroesJames Clover Bitzer is a lively 3 year old and “smart as a whip” says his dad, Jason Bitzer, a 15-year Lifeguard veteran on Oahu. Jason and his wife, Roberta Bitzer, an environmental scientist who is also very active with non-profit organizations on Oahu, are now in the biggest rescue…
Read MoreKawaihala’ilanamalie
Previous HeroesIn July 2022, our Kawaihala'ilanamalie, better known by her 'ohana as Hala'i developed a lingering fever, stomach pains and began to limp. While traveling back and forth to O'ahu and undergoing numerous diagnostic tests, her parents, Lee Jon and Nalani never left her side. On August 18, 2022, our sweet…
Read MoreAlly Tamayose
Previous HeroesMy name is Ally Tamayose, I’m 16 years old and I'm from Pearl City, Hawaii. I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in my left femur in January 2018. In that same year I underwent nine months of chemotherapy and had a limb-salvage surgery. In January 2019, scans revealed that the mets…
Read MoreKahalau Au Hoon
Previous HeroesKahalau Au Hoon – a fun-loving, adorable three year old from Maui I’m Kahalu’s mom, Rachel Ray Au Hoon. Our story is one about love and family! Duke, Kahalau’s dad, and I met in high school and were even prom sweethearts! Kahalau is our second child born in May, 2014…
Read MoreTekaurinuiotekaupapawaka Kaʻuluku Hideo Tanaka
Previous HeroesIf you ask Tekauri what his favorite color is he will tell you, "all the colors are my favorite colors." Tekauri sees the world through a unique and original lens that is beautifully and always positive. In December of 2020, Tekauriʻs mom and dad noticed a lazy eye and took…
Read MoreJames Gonzalez-Wesley
Previous HeroesJames Gonzalez-Wesley is a sweet, affectionate 4 year old boy with a playful laugh and dimples that bring a smile and joy to everyone he meets. Little James loves to sing songs, go to the beach, pop water balloons and play with his family and friends. James’ parents, Matias Gonzalez-Wesley…
Read MoreTavin Hashimoto
Previous HeroesTavin Hashimoto is a nine year old fun-loving, upcountry Maui boy who loves to help on his grandpa’s farm. Tavin Hashimoto is the nine year old son of Davin and Tammi-Lynn Hashimoto. The Hashimotos live in Kula, Maui with Tavin and his two younger siblings. In March of 2017 the…
Read MoreChrista Wittmier: A Honolulu Legend
Previous HeroesChrista Wittmier, a Honolulu legend, was diagnosed with late stage IDC in left breast with metastasis to lymph nodes and lungs in May of 2015. By September of that same year she showed no signs of cancer. However, in May 2016, the cancer returned more aggressively. She was diagnosed with…
Read More