Inspire 2024 ANNUAL DONOR REPORT
Kapiolani: Forever a Voice for Change
Ally Tamayose attending the hospital prom attended by patients at Kapiolani in 2019.
Allyson Tamayose didn’t intend to make a name for herself. As a young girl, she joyfully shared her bubbly personality and big smile. She loved soccer and was a huge fan of Harry Potter and Disney. Then, when she was 12, something unexpected happened.
“When Ally was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, she was really into soccer. Soon she couldn’t play soccer anymore,” Ally’s mom, Dayle, said. “She was looking for something new, so we asked her, ‘What is your purpose?’”
Ally found her answer. She advocated for others facing childhood cancer by telling her story. She shared personal experiences at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children to educate and inspire others to help make a difference. As a teen, she underwent multiple surgeries at the medical center and spent weeks there for therapy.
Ally does an interview for Kapiolani Radiothon for Kids in 2018.
Ally often volunteered for on-air interviews at the Kapiolani Radiothon for Kids. Deeply committed, she once did a Radiothon interview from her hospital bed. As a junior board member for Make It Better Agents, a national organization focused on pediatric osteosarcoma, she continued to speak out to improve cancer programs and advance research.
“We knew she had a big impact, but we didn't realize how much of an impact she had locally, nationally and internationally,” Dayle said. “There was power in her voice. Strangers still share stories with us about how Ally inspired them through difficult times.”
Ally and her family after recording her first video message for Kapiolani to promote Children’s Hospitals Week.
Ally found ways to engage people in her fight against cancer so it felt like their fight too. From attending garage sale fundraisers to buying gold bows she made for Childhood Cancer Awareness month, people never stopped supporting Ally even after she passed away in 2023. “#AllyTamaStrong” stickers are still proudly displayed on everything from cars to water bottles across Oahu and beyond.
“That’s Ally’s legacy, the ability to still make a difference when you're not here,” said her dad, Tory. “We're grateful we can carry it on as a family.”
On Giving Tuesday in December, the Tamayose family donated more than $30,000 for the future Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center at Kapiolani. The Wo family gave an additional $10,000 toward the center that will include areas for multidisciplinary teams and families, enhanced patient care resources, and further efforts for clinical trials and new therapies. Both gifts in Ally’s memory will help expand the cancer care Kapiolani provides to about 1,000 women and children in Hawaii and the Pacific region every year.
“Everyone saw how much Kapiolani helped her, and these gifts are a thank you for everything Kapiolani has done for our family, Ally and the community,” said Ally’s sister, Keely.
“Although she only lived until she was 16, Ally did so much for so many people,” Tory said.
Tamayose family check presentation in memory of Ally for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3, 2024.
Ally once said, “Your illness doesn’t define you; bravery and courage do.” She was right. Ally will always be remembered for her strength against all odds — a girl with a powerful voice and a purposeful life.