ABOUT US

OUR WHY

Ililani Foundation began from a deeply personal journey. Co-founders John and Patricia have both experienced the pain and impact cancer brings to a family. John lost his mom to bile duct cancer in 2016, and Patricia’s mom, an ovarian cancer survivor, passed away from COVID-19 in 2021. Both of their families were shaped by those seasons of love, loss, and strength.

Then in May 2021, Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer. Their entire ‘ohana walked through the storm together treatment, healing, faith, and hope. Through that journey, they saw firsthand how many families in Hawai‘i are facing similar challenges while still raising their keiki, caring for their homes, and trying to make ends meet. They knew families needed more support, more resources, and more moments to simply breathe.

That’s how Ililani Foundation began, out of a desire to bring hope, help, and aloha to families facing a cancer diagnosis. Their story became their mission: to offer comfort, community, and care when life feels overwhelming.

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 to our VP Board of Directors, Leiali‘i Manoi-Cuban, for taking the time to gift this beautiful inoa (name) to the foundation.

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, including being an ordained pastor. She works at a nonprofit church, 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, exploring the outdoors, 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 (volunteering, being a board member/elder, and an ordained pastor). A jazz enthusiast, multi-instrumentalist, and proud 49ers fan, John serves as the President of our Board of Directors.

Their 'Ohana cherishes time with 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 their neighborhood and serving people in 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%).