For families already navigating cancer treatment, a natural disaster can mean unexpected expenses, such as loss of homes and belongings, missed appointments, and additional barriers to care on top of an already overwhelming journey. Your support can help provide immediate relief and critical resources to those impacted—ensuring families have the stability and care they need to recover and rebuild, in addition to managing their cancer treatment expenses and essential needs.

Families fighting cancer who are struggling to afford treatment costs and essential needs that have also been impacted by a natural disaster are facing compounded financial hardship and emotional and physical stress. Your gift to UVSC's Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund for Families in Hawaiʻi Fighting Cancer will provide the stability and care they need to recover, rebuild and most importantly, focus on healing.

TOGETHER, WE ARE A LIFELINE FOR FAMILIES BATTLING CANCER

After the Maui Fires in 2023, UVSC knew we had to focus additional efforts to help families that were facing the compounded stresses of battling cancer and fire-related hardship. Today, many fire-impacted households are still displaced and struggling with persistent financial insecurity. Many are paying 50-60% more in rent than before the fires, with poverty rates more than double what they were prior to the disaster, and unmet needs for basic support like food and housing assistance remain high.

In March 2026, a powerful Kona low brought devastating flooding, landslides, and widespread damage across Hawaiʻi —displacing families, shutting down roads, and interrupting access to clean water, healthcare, and essential services. Communities already facing financial strain were hit hardest, with many residents experiencing property loss, prolonged power outages, and new health and safety risks.

MAHALO TO OUR PARTNERS:

Since 2023, UVSC has been providing dedicated financial aid to families that have been impacted by a natural disaster while also struggling to afford their cancer treatment costs and essential needs. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and our community partners, including Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Red Cabin Foundation and the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation, UVSC has provided life-changing aid to 25 families impacted by the Maui Fires, and several families recently impacted by the Kona Storms.

ABOUT UVSC:

UVSC stands for “Us Versus Cancer” and is a Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded by cancer survivor, Jamil Newirth, and Chris Thibaut, who lost his father to cancer in 1997. UVSC was created with a vision of bringing communities together to support each other in times of greatest need and against all odds – and most importantly, to provide hope so no one has to fight cancer alone.

Together, we can continue to provide hope and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer in Hawai’i. Thank you for being a part of our UVSC 'ohana!

Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund for Families in Hawaiʻi Fighting Cancer

Dedicated Support for Those Impacted by Fires, Flooding & Other Natural Disasters