Iwalani Tseu - Honoree Speech

Описание: DOWNTOWN — When Iwalani Tseu was diagnosed with aggressive Stage III breast cancer three years ago, the single mother of three was devastated.
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"I told them they were looking at the wrong X-rays," said Tseu, whose cancer ultimately went into remission after surgery and chemotherapy treatments. "The diagnosis was confirmed on a Friday, and I was told to be ready for pre-op on Monday."

While recovering at the hospital, Tseu received countless get-well wishes, phone calls, flowers and balloons.

But once home, everything changed. "The balloons popped, the bouquets died and calls became farther and fewer between," Tseu said. "I wasn't prepared for this and felt alone.

"When I left the hospital, they gave me a 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' breast cancer pamphlet, but it was written for women on the mainland," she added.

Rather than succumbing to mental depression, Tseu established the Iwalani Foundation, with the aim of helping women like herself win the battle over cancer.

"When I heard her story, I said I would help in any way I could," said restaurateur Chai Chaowasaree, whose namesake bistro will be the site of a fundraiser for the Iwalani Foundation on Sunday, Oct. 26. It's a befitting site, given that a hula statue of Tseu sits outside Chai's Island Bistro.

Ticket cost is $120, which includes a cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres from 5-6 p.m., followed by a three-course, sit-down dinner.

Live entertainment will be provided by Jerry Santos, Kristian Lei and Sonya Mendez.

Monies raised will benefit the Pink Ohana Project (POP) and breast cancer awareness programs.

"I call us the POP angels," Tseu said. "I wanted to do something for local women going through breast cancer; I wanted to do it in the true spirit of aloha.

"I myself had to learn this," she asserted. "And now my home is open to any woman who wants to ta1k."

Tseu also established a "Healing Garden" on a property she inherited 20 years ago.

"I don't want any woman to ever feel like she's going through this alone," she said. "I'm utilizing my story to help others."

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's simply by chance that this fundraiser coincides with the nationwide effort to put the spotlight on this disease, which is the most common cancer among women.

"My ultimate dream is to fund a 'Mammobile,' which could reach out to women all across the island, from Makaha to Waimanalo," Tseu said.

"That would be awesome."

For more information on the Oct. 26 Pink Ohana Project fundraiser at Chai's Island Bistro or to purchase tickets, call Dee Guzman at 699-1888 or Nani Gomes at 386-9547.