BLANKETS FROM THE
Heart
2016 Pali Momi
Foundation Donors
$100,000 & Above
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Gregg & Carol
Kokame
$50,000 - $9,999
D. Suehiro Electric, Inc.
Clyde T. and Holly Kaneshiro
$10,000 - $24,999
First Hawaiian Bank Kokua Mai
Campaign
Henry's Equipment Rental &
Sales, Inc.
Craig, Emily and Grant Kuraoka
$5,000 - $9,999
Anonymous
Community Planning and
Engineering, Inc.
Ms. Vicki L. Gaynor
Beth Hoban
James T. Kakuda, MD and
Michelle H. Miyashiro, MD
David and Kellyn Okabe
S. Saito Family Charitable Fund
Yuaikai Medical Foundation
$1,000 - $4,999
Anonymous
ABC Corporation
Advantage Health Care
Provider Inc.
Ms. Maria Lourdes J. Akagi
Ms. Gwen A. Akimoto
All Island Case Management
Corporation
Ms. Gloria J. Brooks
Ms. Charlotte P. Carahasen
Jen H. Chahanovich
Dr. Julie A. Chang and Dr.
Christopher McEvoy
Charles R. Ching and Colleen
I. Wong
Electricians, Inc.
Mr. Jack W. Fairchild
Mr. Brandt G. Farias
Dr. and Mrs. Alvin Fuse
Mr. and Mrs. Art Gladstone
Gordon and Anita Nihei
Ms. Jocelyn L. Granier
Ms. Raina E. Haarz
Ms. Nancy J. Hanna
Russell N. Harada, MD
Hawaii Pacific X-Ray Corporation
Mr. Lawrence T. Higa
Ms. Fumiko J. Horii
Dr. Alvin K. Ikeda and Dr. Raquel
Chan-Ikeda
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis K. Ikeda
Integrated Pest
Management, Inc.
James* and Caroline Ishii
& Family
Ms. Jeanette M. Ishikawa
Andrew and Jill Kawano
Hiram and Christi Keliipio
Mrs. Patricia Kurisu
Ms. Gail Lerch
Mr. Robert E. Mace
Brigitte and David McKale
Jeanette Kaneshiro is leading local crafters who are sewing blankets for patients.
BATTLING A SERIOUS ILLNESS IS A FRIGHTENING ORDEAL FOR ANYONE. NOW,
PATIENTS AT PALI MOMI MEDICAL CENTER ARE RECEIVING A HANDMADE GIFT
THAT LOCAL VOLUNTEERS HOPE WILL HELP PROVIDE COMFORT DURING A
STRESSFUL TIME.
Blankets from the Heart are a special
keepsake for patients, their family
and caregivers. The new program was
introduced by the Palliative Care team
as an extension of care for patients. Each
blanket is hand-crafted and donated by
people in the community.
“When I’m cutting pieces of material or
stitching pieces together, I imagine patients
using the blanket,” said Jeanette Kaneshiro,
a volunteer at Pali Momi Medical Center.
“It’s important to me that I’m thoughtful in
my steps so whoever receives the blanket
can sense what went into making it.” The
retiree has always enjoyed sewing, and first
started making blankets for people she
knew with cancer. After recruiting friends
and fellow crafters for Pali Momi’s blanket
program, her favorite hobby has given her
a new special purpose.
“I have been fortunate enough to be
healthy,” she said, “It’s the least I can do.”
The Palliative Care team encourages
patients to use the blankets in the hospital
as a form of comfort. The colorful treasures
also serve as a visual reminder to clinical
and non-clinical staff of the delicate and
emotional situation that families are
dealing with.
“This blanket adds to our efforts, bringing
a human touch to the bedside and
sometimes a feeling of home,” said Dr.
Emese Somogyi, a palliative care physician
at Pali Momi. “It’s a symbol of warmth and
compassion.” Palliative care focuses on
improving the quality of life, helping with
advance care planning discussions and
providing emotional support to patients
and their families. The Palliative Care team
of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains
and others assist families with facilitating
coordinated care and navigating complex
medical decisions and other potential
challenges.
“We can never underestimate a gesture like
this and what it means to a family who may
be close to losing a loved one,” said Dr.
Somogyi. “I am thankful to Jeanette and all
of the community donors, especially O`ahu
Mortuary, who have touched this project to
make it so impactful.”
“It’s such a rewarding feeling,” Jeanette
said. And every blanket she sews receives
a signature loving touch. Jeanette adds
a small heart, sewn by hand, in the top
corner.
“The heart reminds people that these
blankets were stitched with aloha.”
25