update: cruz's story

At Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, there is a bell in the Pediatric Oncology Unit. It is a gift from 2019 World Series champion and Wailuku native Kurt Suzuki with his wife Renee. The bell holds a big significance; keiki ring it to mark the end of their cancer treatment. In late October, it rang again when 7-year-old Cruz, his mother, and his Kapiolani team of doctors and caregivers celebrated his final course of cancer treatment.

The new Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center at Kapiolani will provide pediatric cancer patients, like Cruz, with a larger, state-of-the-art, family-centric space for their care. Learn more about the new center and its future impact for Hawaii families in Inspire magazine.