Inspire Magazine Annual Report 2020 | Page 13

Leaving a Legacy

LOSING A CHILD IS ONE OF THE WORST MOMENTS ANY PARENT CAN IMAGINE . But the Clifford and Blanche Hee Trust is keeping their sons ‘ legacy alive with a gift that will save other lives : a donation of more than $ 322,000 to Kapi ‘ olani Medical Center for Women & Children .
Michael and Thomas Hee both died from complications of hemophilia . Tony Ching , trustee of the Clifford and Blanche Hee Trust and Blanche ‘ s brother , says of his nephews , “ Michael passed at the age of 6 , and Thomas was 43 when he died . But Thomas ‘ story should be inspirational .
“ He was somebody who had what many people considered to be a very severe and debilitating disease that puts you at risk every day for whatever you do , but he did not live his life selfishly or in fear of what might happen to him .“
Thomas had a successful career as vice president in the controller ‘ s division at First Hawaiian Bank . He also volunteered in the community , serving as president of both the Hawai ‘ i Jaycees and Honolulu Marathon Association , and as a devoted advocate with the Hemophilia Foundation .
With his family ‘ s heartfelt gift , Kapi ‘ olani will be able to support patients and their families with the challenges of both hemophilia and cancer . Hemophilia is a medical condition in which the blood does not clot normally , meaning even minor injuries can bleed significantly . Kapi ‘ olani helps patients living with hemophilia and coagulation disorders by providing comprehensive , specialized care , so that patients can be treated at home in Hawai ‘ i . The Hees ‘ donation
Tony and Dawn Ching presenting a donation for pediatric oncology services at Kapi ‘ olani on behalf of the Clifford and Blanche Hee Trust . bolstered that effort by helping to purchase a portable ultrasound machine , supporting teaching and collaboration sessions with specialists in oncology and hematology across the country and funding a data coordinator position .
There are few people more aware of the impact this gift has had than trustee Tony ‘ s wife , Dawn Ching . Dawn is vice president of operations at Kapi ‘ olani and has worked for the Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health system in various roles for more than 34 years .
“ The work that Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health has done for our patients , staff and the community has been remarkable ,“ Dawn said . “ Over the years , I have witnessed the exceptional care provided to our patients and the decision to honor our nephews who succumbed to hemophilia is truly an honor . It gives us much peace knowing that their lives , as well as their parents ‘ lives , are now making a difference for children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with hemophilia .“
Clifford and Blanche came from humble beginnings . “ My brother-in-law and sister lived a very simple life and devoted themselves to supporting their sons ,“ Tony said . “ They were very modest , but it was their wish to establish the trust , which would both take care of themselves , and ultimately , memorialize their sons .“
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