the journey:
This past year has cracked me wide open. I’ve walked through a cancer diagnosis, surgery, and treatment—and honestly, I’m still finding the words for all of it. What I can say is: it’s been humbling, terrifying, beautiful, and clarifying. I’ve had to learn how to hold grief and gratitude in the same breath. I’ve lost parts of myself, physically and emotionally, but I’ve also gained clarity about what matters most. I’ve seen how wildly loved and supported I am and I am forever grateful for my community.

the healing process:
Community helped. 1000%. The people who’ve shown up with food, laughter, rides, hugs, reminders to drink water, or just held space when I didn’t have words. Also, letting go of trying to “be strong” and doing it myself all the time. Accepting the help, letting myself cry, rest, rage, feel it all.

Maui’s role:
Maui has been my medicine. I’ve cried in the sea more times than I can count — more often than not, tears of happiness to just be there. I was so incredibly lucky I got to be home on Maui in between chemo treatments. I don’t know how I would’ve coped if I would not have Maui surrounding me.

today’s celebration:
That I’m still here, still laughing, still making inappropriate jokes with my friends. That I was able to keep a positive and happy mindset throughout the course of this. That I am almost done with cancer and that I’m slowly getting my life back. And I’d want to celebrate everyone that went on this journey with me—I would not be here if it wasn’t for my people.

words to pass on:
Mindset is everything, what you believe to be true will be true. It’s sometimes the only thing you can control and it’s the thing that will determine how you will walk through this life. And the biggest cliché is absolutely true: we do not know what tomorrow brings—take the trip, tell them you love them, hug them, take the leap, don’t wait for time to run out!

receiving a Puka Lei:
When Perri (this luminous, wildly talented woman) offered to make me a Puka Lei, I was just done with chemo and honestly running on fumes. Her gesture felt like pure sunlight. I remember feeling so honored to be a receiver of such a beautiful gift—especially because it’s sourced by the community, which is just another reminder of all the amazing people here on Maui. Wearing it will not only be a reminder of the amazing community Maui has, but also of Perri and her spirit. Her friends keep the project alive, and that blows me away. It reminds me that healing doesn’t stop with one person, it ripples. We’re carrying each other forward, always.

the journey:
I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma Cancer in my 6th rib on May 10, 2024. Because this is such a rare cancer, my family made the difficult decision to move so I could receive treatment at the Cleveland Clinic. As hard as the transition was, I’m incredibly grateful to have been under the care of renowned sarcoma specialist, Dr. Anderson. Today, I am cancer-free and back home on Maui. I want to express how deeply thankful I am for the Maui community. The way everyone showed up for me—with support, prayers, and love—truly lifted my spirit and gave me the strength I needed during the toughest moments.

the healing process:
Setting small goals and rewarding myself along the way really helped. I stayed focused on what I needed to do to get through treatment, always holding on to the vision of returning home.

Maui’s role:
I’m a surfer and ocean lover, so being away from the ocean was one of the hardest parts. But even when I couldn’t be near it, I would close my eyes and imagine myself surfing again—that feeling of freedom and peace on the water kept me going.

today’s celebration:
My resilience. I’m proud of the strength I found within myself to move through treatment.

words to pass on:
You are stronger than you think, and more loved than you know.

receiving a Puka Lei:
The moment I put on my Puka jewelry, I felt the strength, power, and legacy carried within it. It symbolizes walking in my power—with confidence, grace, and a deeper connection to myself.

the journey:
In May 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage 2A Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It came out of nowhere — no symptoms, no warning signs. The masses in my chest were discovered incidentally during a routine chest X-ray before a scheduled back surgery. Within a week, my partner and I packed up our life in Maui and moved to Los Angeles so I could begin six months of biweekly chemotherapy at City of Hope. Treatment was grueling —mentally, emotionally, and physically — but I made it through. I reached remission in November 2024, and now I’m focused on healing and rebuilding. Recovery isn’t linear, but each day I feel a little more like myself again.

the healing process:
Community was what helped me the most in my healing process. From the moment I was diagnosed through every step of chemo and now in recovery, the love, support, and generosity of those around me has been my anchor. I’ve felt the kindness of friends, family, and even strangers. That collective care has carried me more than I can say.

Maui’s role:
Maui has cultivated my love for the outdoors and nature. This is what ultimately gave me the strength to move forward during my cancer journey—the time that I spent outdoors kept me happy, sane, and I believe, in combination with the chemo, helped me get into remission!

today’s celebration:
My fortitude. It was a physical and emotional rollercoaster, but I tried my best to stay hopeful, to find lightness even in the hard days, and to not let cancer take away my joy. That mindset became my strength.

words to pass on:
Take it one day at a time. Some days will be dark, and that’s okay. But some will be unexpectedly beautiful. Keep going—you never know what’s waiting for you tomorrow.

receiving a Puka Lei:
Perri reached out to me back in December to nominate me for a Puka Lei, and I was so deeply honored. The gesture meant so much, and now to have Paula continuing this in Perri’s memory makes it even more special. This will be a symbol of healing, community, and the lasting spirit of someone who touched so many lives. I’ll treasure it always — and think of Perri every time I wear it.