Lee

A retired executive from Bank of Hawai‘i, Lee was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2012. When Lee first learned of her diagnosis, she was shocked and scared. At first, she was told that she would not need chemotherapy because her cancer was discovered early. After her lumpectomy, however, she was told that she had the HER2 protein, which put her at a greater risk for cancer to spread to other areas of her body. She began her six rounds of chemotherapy at the Kapi‘olani Women’s Cancer Center. According to Lee, “The staff at Kapi‘olani could not have been nicer. They were the best. They made it bearable. They really understood what I was going through.” Lee has been an advocate of Kapi‘olani’s Sex Abuse Treatment Center for many years, having served on its board of directors. She is enjoying her retirement by taking care of her twin granddaughters whenever possible. “Having cancer definitely changed my perspective on life,” she said. “Life is short so go for the gusto. Be good to everyone, and take the time to make a difference in the community and the world.”