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. What followed was a journey their whole ‘ohana walked through together - facing treatment, healing, faith, and hope. Along the way, they saw how many families in Hawai‘i face similar challenges: caring for loved ones, raising their keiki, and making ends meet, all while battling cancer. They recognized a deep need for more support and resources for these families.

That’s where the vision for Ililani Foundation was born - from a desire to share hope, help, and aloha with local families walking this same road. Their story has become their mission: to bring comfort, community, and care to others facing the heartache of a cancer diagnosis.

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, 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 heart for service. She brings experience in government and healthcare, along with over 20 years of nonprofit work in both volunteering and leadership, including serving as a pastor/ordained minister. Patricia manages a dog care business, works at a nonprofit church, and serves as the Executive Director of Ililani Foundation. She loves spending time with her loved ones and 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 - these islands he proudly calls home. He is an educator and professional musician with 25+ years of experience. He has served in nonprofit church environments with 30 years of experience including volunteering, leading, being a board member, elder, pastor/ordained minister. A jazz enthusiast and multi-instrumentalist, he’s also a proud 49ers fan and is the President of our Board of Directors.

Together, John and Patricia’s ‘ohana cherishes time with their dogs, practices karate, plays board games, and goes on adventures. They are involved in their community by serving in their church; being part of a Hula Halau; and they aloha ʻāina by partnering with other non-profits to mālama (care) for a Native Hawaiian Cultural Site in their neighborhood and serving people in their community.