cruz's story: pediatric cancer care

The time has come to expand cancer and infusion services for women and children statewide. As we embark on this capital expansion, we want to honor the late Martha B. Smith. For more than 30 years, Martha worked passionately to improve healthcare in Hawaiʻi. During her time as Kapiʻolani’s chief executive officer, she led her team to aspire for a united vision — to create the preeminent healthcare center for women and children in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, and to build a space that supported family-centered care for patients, families, and staff. As part of Martha’s legacy, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health will name the new center the Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

The life-changing care will help kids like Cruz. He was 7 when the active kid felt pain in his leg. Throughout his cancer journey, he kept spirits up for his family and the Kapiʻolani pediatric cancer team through humor. This is Cruz’s story.