How One All-Star Couple Gives Back to Keiki at Kapiʻolani Medical Center

Kurt and Renee Suzuki are dedicated supporters of Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

Together, the all-star couple run The Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation, a nonprofit agency dedicated to supporting the scientific research of chronic illnesses and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices in the hopes of improving the lives of others within the community. 

Its signature event, A Taste of Hawaiʻi, is held every year on Maui, where Kurt is originally from.

Hosted by the MLB All-Star in partnership with Hawaiʻi celebrity chef Alan Wong, the fundraising gala is an evening of world-class dining and entertainment.

During the highly anticipated event, Wong and four other celebrity chefs host their own gourmet food stations, each paired with a Major League Baseball player or professional athlete.

In addition to raising spirits, the night also raises money and awareness for pediatric cancer treatment at Kapiʻolani, among other health conditions.

“With three small children of our own, and after watching our many friends’ children battle pediatric cancer, Renee and I are extremely passionate about assisting Kapiʻolani Medical Center in each child’s fight against cancer,” says the Atlanta Braves catcher.

When they come back to visit Hawaiʻi, the Suzukis always make time to meet with hospitalized keiki.

Kurt goes room to room to deliver autographed souvenirs and inspire the kids to stay strong.

They also donated to the pediatric oncology program a bell that keiki can ring upon completing their last course of cancer treatment.

“We have become good friends with many staff members as well as the patients. We love what Kapiʻolani Medical Center is doing and we will continue to support them,” Kurt says.

To learn more about ways to support Kapiʻolani through the Kapiʻolani Health Foundation or how to make a donation, visit Give2Kapiolani.org.