ABOUT US

OUR STORY

Co-founders John and Patricia Cravalho started the Ililani Foundation after experiencing the challenges of cancer in their own family. In 2016, John’s mother passed away from bile duct cancer, leaving him and his brothers, including a 15-year-old, to cope with the loss. Patricia’s mother, an ovarian cancer survivor, sadly passed away from COVID-19 in February 2021. The impact of cancer on both their mothers was deeply felt by their families.

In May 2021, Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer, and their ‘ohana had to navigate this unexpected journey. During her surgery and treatment, they recognized a significant lack of resources for cancer patients with young families, particularly in the socio-economically challenged, local community of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

Now N.E.D. (no evidence of disease), Patricia’s experience has inspired a strong commitment within their ‘ohana to support other families in Hawai‘i facing similar heart-wrenching battles, ensuring that no one has to to navigate this storm alone. This dedication led to the creation of the Ililani Foundation. 

Ililani means "unexpected rain" in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (the Hawaiian Language). Rain carries significance in Hawaiian culture, symbolizing both challenges and blessings. A cancer diagnosis can feel like enduring a heavy storm, but the Ililani Foundation exists to bring unexpected blessings of hope and support to patients and their ʻohana.

In Hawaiian culture, name-giving is sacred and deeply valued. We extend our heartfelt mahalo to our VP Board of Directors, Leiali‘i Manoi-Cuban, for taking the time to gift this beautiful inoa (name) to the foundation.

OUR ‘OHANA

Patricia, a Filipino immigrant, is a breast cancer survivor and advocate. She brings experience from her work with the Philippine House of Congress, administrative roles in a medical office, and over 20 years of volunteer service and leadership positions in non-profit church organizations, including working as a pastor/ordained minister. She now manages her own dog care business while continuing ministry work at a non-profit church. In her free time, Patricia enjoys spending time with loved ones, listening to music, exploring the outdoors, and reading.

John is a Kanaka 'Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) who was born and raised in the Hawaiian Islands, which he proudly calls home. He has more than 20 years of experience as both an educator and a professional musician. Alongside this, he has spent almost 30 years serving in various roles within nonprofit church organizations, including as an ordained minister, pastor, elder, and board member. He loves music, especially jazz, and knows how to play every instrument. John is also a dedicated fan of the 49ers.

Their ‘ohana loves to play with their dogs, do karate, play board games, host people, and go on adventures. They are involved in their community by being part of a Hula Halau; serving in their church; and they aloha ʻāina (love the land) by partnering with another non-profit to mālama (care) for a Native Hawaiian Heritage Site in their neighborhood.