ABOUT US

OUR WHY

Ililani Foundation was born from a deeply personal journey. Co-founders John and Patricia Cravalho have experienced the heartbreak cancer brings to a family. John lost his mother to bile duct cancer in 2016, and Patricia, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed in 2021. Walking through treatment and healing together opened their eyes to the many Hawaiʻi families facing cancer while raising keiki, caring for loved ones, and navigating financial hardship.

They knew families needed more than medical care - they needed hope, practical support, and moments of joy. That conviction became the heart of Ililani Foundation: bringing aloha, encouragement, and meaningful care to cancer patients and their ʻohana.

Ililani means “unexpected rain” in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (the Hawaiian language). In Hawaiian culture, rain carries significance, symbolizing both challenges and blessings. A cancer diagnosis can feel like a storm, but Ililani Foundation exists to bring the unexpected blessings of hope, aloha, joy and support to cancer patients and their ‘ohana.

In Hawaiian culture, name-giving is sacred and deeply valued. We extend our heartfelt mahalo (thanks) to our Vice President of the Board, Leialiʻi Manoi-Cuban, for gifting our foundation this beautiful inoa (name).

OUR ‘OHANA

Patricia (she/her) is a Filipino breast cancer survivor with a background in business and over 20 years of experience serving and leading in nonprofit church organizations. She works at a nonprofit church as on ordained pastor, runs a dog walking business, and serves as the Executive Director of Ililani Foundation. Patricia loves spending time with her loved ones and her dogs, and getting lost in a good book.

John (he/him) is Kānaka Maoli, (Native Hawaiian), born and raised in Hawai‘i - the islands he proudly calls home. He is an educator, professional musician, and longtime nonprofit church leader with 30 years of experience. A jazz enthusiast, multi-instrumentalist, and proud 49ers fan, John serves as the President of our Board of Directors.

Their 'Ohana cherishes time with each other and their dogs, practice martial arts, play board games, and go adventuring as a family. They stay rooted in their community by serving in their church, being part of a Hula Hālau, and they aloha ʻāina by partnering with other non-profits to mālama (care) for and serve their community.

OUR TEAM

  • John Cravalho - Co-founder / President
    Educator, M.Ed. - Middle School, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama

  • Patricia Cravalho - Co-founder / Executive Director
    Small Business Owner - Pawtricia’s Pack
    Executive Director - Manna Church Hawaii

  • Leiali‘i Manoi-Cuban - Vice President / Treasurer
    Vice Principal, M.Ed - Middle School, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama

  • Cassandra Bautista - Secretary
    Discharge Care Coordinator - Queens Hospital
    Small Business Owner - SeeJoyStudio

HOW CANCER IS AFFECTING THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS:

These reports reflect how cancer impacts the Hawaiian Islands, drawing on research, public data, and findings related to the general population with a focus on the AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) communities that make up much of Hawaii’s population.

  • This devastating disease impacts approximately 7,393 individuals yearly in Hawaiʻi and an average of 2,393 individuals pass away from cancer. There are over 66,779 Hawaiʻi residents who are cancer survivors. (University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, 2024).

  • Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in Hawaiʻi (DOH, Death Record Data, 2022).

  • Between 2000 and 2021, diagnoses for breast cancer among AANHPI women under 50 rose by 52%, with increases also observed in older age groups (National Cancer Institute)

  • Since 2012, there’s been a 2.5 - 2.57% increase per year in breast cancer for AANHPI women under 50. (American Cancer Society, Oct 2024)

    HAWAIʻI DATA

  • The 5 largest ethnic groups in Hawaii are Asian (Non-Hispanic) (36.7%), White (Non-Hispanic) (21.1%), Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) (19.9%), Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) (9.69%), and Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Hispanic) (4.33%).