Cancer patients and caregivers invited to explore ‘Healing Through Art’ at free workshop on July 18 at UH Cancer Center in Kakaʻako
Sessions in visual arts, music, writing, lei making, crafting offered as research-backed modalities to support healing and well-being
June 15, 2026
“Healing Through Art,” a free public workshop on July 18 at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, welcomes cancer patients/survivors/thrivers, caregivers, family members and supporters to explore how creative expression can support healing, resilience and well-being throughout the cancer journey.
The workshop — set for 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at the UH Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street in Kakaʻako — is the latest in a quarterly series of patient-empowerment programs presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center. Participants may attend in person or via Zoom. Register at go.hawaii.edu/Fqi by July 11.
“Healing Through Art” will feature practitioners representing a variety of cultural and artistic traditions and therapeutic approaches. Attendees will have hands-on opportunities to experience the benefits of haiku reflection and meditation, music, visual arts, lei-making and crafting. Information on research supporting art therapy will be presented.
“Cancer care extends far beyond the clinic," said Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, Director of the UH Cancer Center, who is also a researcher and clinician, and a two-time cancer survivor himself. “As Hawaiʻi's only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, the UH Cancer Center recognizes the importance of addressing the emotional, social and cultural dimensions of health. Programs like our ‘Healing Through Art’ event help create spaces where people can find comfort, express themselves, and build resilience alongside others who understand their experiences.”
“Art has a unique ability to connect people to hope, meaning and community,” said Peter Hirano, husband of the late Susan C. Hirano, founder of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community. “Our ‘Healing Through Art’ event reflects the UH Cancer Center’s effort to support the whole person. Susan believed that no one facing cancer should feel alone or without hope. We hope that this gathering will help people understand that there can be many pathways to healing and connection.”
Presentations at the July 18 event:
- “Introduction of Art Therapy,” Dr. Jami Fukui, MD, Co-Faculty Director, Community Outreach and Engagement, UH Cancer Center; Breast Medical Oncologist, Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children;
- “Mindfulness and Meditation Research,” Katsumi Takemoto, MSW, MPA; Shakuhachi Meditation Practitioner, and Researcher.
Breakout sessions follow (attendees may choose one):
- “Collage Luggage Tag with Washi Paper,” Jocelyn Cheng, Artist, Healing Through Art Program, The Queen’s Medical Center;
- “Ti Leaf Lei Making,” Jessie Kai, Lei aloha;
- “The Art of Seeing: Drawing with Pencil,” Leni Acosta Knight, Artist, Art Therapy Program, Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children via Kapiʻolani Health Foundation.
Research has shown that art therapy and other creative modalities can help reduce anxiety, depression, and distress among people affected by cancer. For instance, in 2023, the Society for Integrative Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology issued evidence-based guidelines supporting the use of interventions such as music therapy to help reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being among people living with cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology's integrative oncology guideline was developed after reviewing evidence from more than 100 studies examining interventions that help address anxiety, depression, and emotional distress among people with cancer.
The Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community (the acronym stands for Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-Being) was developed to strengthen and support cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families across Hawaiʻi. Named in honor of Susan C. Hirano — a beloved Hope Ambassador and patient advocate at the UH Cancer Center who passed away in April 2025 — the initiative offers quarterly workshops and support opportunities for individuals, caregivers and families affected by cancer, at no cost to attendees. To learn more, go to UHCancerCenter.org/cancercare.
