American Lung Association in Hawaii

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

The Breath of Motherhood Awards, Presented by Arcadia Family of Companies, honoring Kathy Morimoto, Mel Pieper, Kalene Sakamoto, and Suzie Schulberg. Held at the Alohilani Resort on May 24, 2026.

05/25/2026

What a profoundly moving and beautiful afternoon. ✨
Today, at the inaugural **Breath of Motherhood Awards**, our community came together to celebrate four spectacular women who truly embody the *Hā* (breath of life) of our islands:
🌸 **Kathy Morimoto**
🌸 **Mel Pieper**
🌸 **Kalene Sakamoto**
🌸 **Suzie Schulberg**

Thank you for trusting us with your stories, honoring the parents who shaped you, and sharing your beautiful ‘ohana with us today.
As we looked at the 233 pairs of shoes in our foyer—each representing a woman we lost to lung cancer in Hawai‘i this past year—our hearts were heavy. But standing right next to them were 8 pairs of shoes representing the 8 *fewer* women we lost compared to the year before.

A massive and heartfelt mahalo to our Presenting Sponsor, the **Arcadia Family of Companies**, for making this afternoon possible. Thank you to our generous prize sponsors—**Ben Bridge Jeweler**, **Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines**, and **Highgate Hotels**—and to the **'Alohilani Resort**, **Goodwill**, and our incredible volunteers.

To everyone who attended, donated, and stood with our survivors today: thank you. Because of your extraordinary generosity, we are walking away with hope and the resources to keep fighting for healthy lungs and clean air for all of Hawai‘i.

Rest up, take a deep breath, and have a beautiful Sunday evening! 💙