the future of cancer care

Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children’s new cancer and infusion center will expand services for our patients and honor a visionary leader.

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.

This life-changing care will help women, children, and families across the state like Anj Oto and Kekuala Souza.

Anj was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 33 years old. It was diagnosed at the earliest stage, but the cancer quickly escalated to Stage 1 and the more aggressive HER2-positive and ER-positive forms, which required an extended and challenging treatment journey. Early diagnosis likely saved her life.

Watch below to learn more about her story.

Manalani and Kalama Souza were excited to become new parents. During a routine pregnancy screening, they discovered that a tumor was growing on their baby’s spine.

At 38 weeks, Kekualā was delivered at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children. He underwent two surgeries before he turned 1. Today, the happy toddler is flourishing, thanks to Kapiʻolani.

Watch the video below for the Souza family's story.