By Rolanda Morgan, Executive Director, Susan G. Komen, Hawai`i 9/10/2026
People sometimes ask me what it means to be Susan G. Komen in Hawai`i. My answer is simple: We are powered by national strength and guided by local soul.
That distinction matters, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, because breast cancer, which knows no boundaries, is also personal. It affects our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, neighbors and coworkers. And for too many people here in Hawai`i, getting the best possible care has also meant leaving home.
The opening of the Ho‘ola Early Phase Clinical Trial Research Center at the University of Hawai`i Cancer Center is such an important milestone for our state. For many qualifying cancer patients, Ho‘ola means greater access to early phase clinical trials without having to leave their families, jobs, support systems and island home.
I also know something equally important: every breakthrough that gives today’s patients hope exists because someone before us chose to participate in research.
Clinical trials are often misunderstood. Many believe they are only for patients who have exhausted every option. The reality is different. Clinical trials are how nearly every modern cancer treatment becomes available. Every targeted therapy, every advancement in precision medicine, every improvement in survival began with patients willing to participate in carefully designed research.
Today’s standard of care was yesterday’s clinical trial.
At Susan G. Komen, we believe research saves lives—not someday, but every day. That is why Komen has invested more than $1 billion in breast cancer research over the years and continues to support scientists working toward better ways to prevent, detect and treat the disease. We also help patients understand and navigate clinical trial opportunities that may be right for them.
Hawai`i is home to communities with different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. Having clinical research available here gives more of those communities the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of cancer treatment. Komen’s SharesForCures® initiative accelerates breakthrough by uniting patients in a groundbreaking research registry.
Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among women. We are also seeing more diagnoses among younger women—many of whom are working, raising young children and caring for aging parents all at the same time. The need for better treatments, fewer side effects and more personalized care is only becoming more urgent.
When someone participates in the Susan G. Komen Hawai`i MORE THAN PINK Walk, donates, raises money or volunteers, they are doing more than helping someone facing breast cancer today. They are investing in tomorrow.
They are helping provide education and support through Komen’s Patient Care Center. They are supporting research that could lead to the next breakthrough.
That future requires research. It requires partnerships. And it requires all of us.
Anyone with questions about breast cancer can connect with a culturally responsive navigator through Komen’s free Breast Cancer Helpline at 1-877 GOKOMEN or helpline@komen.org and receive emotional support, information about breast cancer and treatment options, connections to resources and more.
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The Susan G. Komen Hawai`i More Than Pink Walk is Sunday, October 11, at Kapiolani Park. Register for free here: komen.org/hawaiiwalk.
