Page 5 - MidWeek Windward - Feb 17, 2021

Kailua Cancer Survivor Has Years Of Dedication To ACS Relay For Life Events
FEBRUARY 17, 2021 5
FROM PAGE 1
Makapagal notes that she lost both of parents to cancer and serving with the Relay for Life all these years has been very important to her.
a cancer survivor when she was diagnosed in 2017 with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She adds that she had her che- motherapy treatments and surgery at Adventist Health Castle in Kailua, and her on- cologist is a part of the Cas- tle system as well.
“You can’t just roll over. It’s a good way to support American Cancer Society,” Makapagal emphasizes.
Makapagal explains that to apply to be on the cutout, she dressed in her late broth- er-in-law’s Steve Young NFL quarterback jersey and had her photo taken.
Last year, there were only two Relay events locally that had to be done online due to the pandemic, she notes.
“I had no idea it would get picked,” Makapagal says.
“American Cancer So- ciety, like all nonprofits, is really facing hard times. But patients still need service. My goal is to promote the mission of the ACS to save lives, and to tell my story of survivorship, which encour- ages other people,” Makapa- gal declares. “We still have a lot of work to do, pandemic or not, and we still need to keep fighting back.”
She adds that one former student of Kamehameha Schools was at the Tampa stadium, saw her picture there, and sent her a photo of the cutout. Makapagal also got flooded with neighbors and well-wishers who saw her on national news.
(Above and right) A cardboard cutout of Kailua resident and cancer survivor Robin Makapagal sits in the stands at this year’s Super Bowl in Tampa Bay. PHOTOS COURTESY ROBIN MAKAPAGAL
ager Patti Ornellas says of Makapagal, “She’s a sur- vivor and veteran Relayer since 2008. She has a passion for Relay and the mission.”
ACS development man-
People have been delay-
For more information on ACS, visit cancer.org.
ing treatment due to the pan- demic, but ACS will focus on making sure people get back to regular screenings.
WE ARE OPEN & Ready For You To Play Like a Pro!
Saturday Keiki Play FREE
with paid adult.
Don’t forget to support local businesses & purchase a Gift Card to use for later!
P L AY L I K E a a a p p
pr
ro
••