On January 25, 2025, Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science (KRS) students volunteered with the Hawaiʻi Cancer Foundation to celebrate survivorship during a fun and educational afternoon at the Honolulu Zoo.
The students included Jennifer Kimura and Khaiya Tung, who are earning their bachelor of science (BS) degree, as well as Amaya Cheng who recently graduated with her BS. KRS Associate Professor Paulette Yamada, who is the Health and Exercise Science Program Coordinator, assisted with the event alongside her daughter Chloe.
“This was a spectacular event!” Yamada said. “This is our second year that KRS students have volunteered. They helped keiki diagnosed with cancer and their family members learn how to be physically active.
Kimura, Tung, and Cheng instructed the children on how to make poi balls as well as how to hula hoop.
“Making poi balls gave them another way to play and remain active.” Yamada added. “The KRS students were so patient with the keiki during the activities. They were encouraging and used the lawn to run around with the kids!”
The event, which included admission to the zoo, lunch, games, and activities, was cosponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Health and the College of Education.
