Inspire 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
CMN: Record-Shattering Radiothon
An adorable crew of Kapiolani’s current and past Children’s Miracle Network Champions, and other young supporters, revealed the largest-ever Kapiolani Radiothon total.
On the evening of Nov. 8, 2023, an air of anticipation filled the dining room of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. The room was transformed into a radio studio and phone bank for one of Kapiolani’s marquee events — the Kapiolani Radiothon for Kids. After two days of spirited fundraising broadcast live on KSSK, the final numbers were in.
Before a crowd brimming with curiosity, a group of children lined up in front of the KSSK stage. They faced away from the crowd, each holding tightly onto a signboard as KSSK personality Curt Williams took to the microphone:
“Kapiolani patients ring a bell at the end of their cancer treatment as a sign of victory,” Curt shared over the air. “Tonight, we’re reminded of all the incredible little fighters, the heroes at Kapiolani and the awesome generosity of the community.”
Learn more about the 2024 Kapiolani Radiothon for Kids and see exciting moments from 2023 at Give2Kapiolani.org/Radiothon.
As Curt rang a cowbell, the children turned around, revealing the total amount of donations as the room erupted in cheers. The $820,130 marked a new record in Radiothon’s 17-year history, shattering the previous record of $575,651 from 2021.
This feat wouldn’t have been possible without UHA Health Insurance. On the first day of the Radiothon, UHA unveiled a huge surprise on KSSK with the help of Marcie Dela Cruz and her quintuplets, all of whom were born at Kapiolani in 2015. Her five adorable children revealed UHA’s gift with T-shirts that spelled out “$250K.”
Celebrating UHA Health Insurance’s record-breaking donation. Front row, from left: Marcie Dela Cruz with her son Makaio; quintuplets Kamalii, Kapena, Kupono, Keahi, Keolu; and husband, Ray Dela Cruz. Middle row, from left: Dawn Dunbar, HPH senior vice president of Philanthropy; Suzanne Eugenio, UHA Health Insurance director of marketing and communications; Stevette Santiago, UHA senior vice president and chief human resources officer; Gidget Ruscetta, Kapiolani chief operating officer; Dave Underriner, Kapiolani CEO; and Ray Vara, HPH president & CEO. Back row, from left: KSSK radio personalities Karen Keawehawaiʻi, Michael W. Perry and Sweetie Pacarro.
“Incredible!” shouted Michael W. Perry of KSSK’s “Perry & The Posse.”
UHA’s gift is Radiothon’s single largest donation ever and will support the future Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center at Kapiolani.
Sweetie Pacarro accepts a gift from a young donor.
“We are profoundly grateful that we can help honor our longtime friend Martha Smith, a visionary health care leader who dedicated her life to creating a healthier Hawaii,” said Howard Lee, UHA president and CEO, who is also on Kapiolani Health Foundation’s board. “As Hawaii’s only physician-founded health insurer, we hope our gift allows cancer patients to receive high-quality care right here at home, surrounded by their loved ones. I imagine Martha would have liked that.”
Keely Tamayose and her mother, Dayle, answer phones during Radiothon to accept call-in donations.
The swell of support continued into Day 2, which kicked off with a triple-match hour from another longtime Kapiolani supporter, D. Suehiro Electric, Inc. Later in the day, HMSA presented a $25,000 donation for Kapiolani’s Fetal Diagnostic Center to help promote safe pregnancies. Then, the local Hyundai dealers arrived with a $35,000 gift, bringing their lifetime donation to Kapiolani to $1 million.
The 2023 Radiothon marked another milestone. Since it began in 2007, the Kapiolani Radiothon has raised more than $4 million for countless programs and services at Kapiolani.