Author: Jeannette Koijane, MPH, executive director of Kokua Mau

  • Palliative Care Enhances Quality of Life

    After a heart attack, 69-year-old Kumu Hula Tutu Malia developed heart failure, resulting in four trips to the ER and several hospital stays within three months. When a friend informed Tutu Malia about palliative care, she asked her doctor about it and he referred her to a new, home-based palliative care program. The program includes…

  • Doc, Follow My Orders

    Momi and Roland are a retired couple living in Central O‘ahu. Last year Roland learned he has incurable lung cancer and has been in the hospital several times. The couple has had many conversations together and with the doctors. Because of his short life expectancy and desire for quality of life, he has decided to…

  • Conversations About Wishes

    Auntie K was having trouble breathing at home and her son called 911. She is now in the Intensive Care Unit. The doctor asks the family, “What would your mother want us to do if she could speak for herself right now? She’s having more trouble breathing. Do you want us to “‘do everything?’” Unfortunately,…