Never Grow Old
(from left) Michael Town, Jackie Young, Wally Amos and Patti Lyons are among the recipients of this year’s Forever Young awards, which go to folks over age 65 who continues to be active contributors to our Island home.
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Del.icio.usInternational, Communities in Schools and many others. Well-known inspirational speaker and author of nine books.
Attitude: “The activity of life keeps me young. My age is none of my business. I never think about how old I am. My goal is to live life to the fullest, on my terms. Grow through your life; don’t just go through life.
“Above all, be positive. A positive attitude brings positive results.”
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Ho’oipo DeCambra, 66, housing director, Waianae Coast Community Mental Health Center.
Achievements: Works with children and adults with disabilities and serious mental illness. Completed a master’s degree as rehabilitation counselor in 2009 from University of Hawaii and was named Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader in 2000. Developed a successful women’s cancer project utilizing traditional Hawaiian values and healing practices.
Attitude: “I have 14 grandchildren, and I want to say to them that sometimes we are given a challenge or hardship to learn a lesson into order to move into adulthood. Remember, you don’t know everything, even though you think you do. Choose work that makes you happy, satisfied and fulfilled.
“My whole life experience has been immersed in my Hawaiian community. I grew up in Papakolea and the Waianae Coast surrounded by family and friends who know how to be resilient in difficult economic times. When I think of power, I think of families and neighborhoods as being the center of resilience.”
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Dr. Reginald Ho, 78, oncologist, Straub Hospital and Clinic
Achievements: Practicing oncologist at Straub Hospital, where he was one of the founders of Straub Cancer Center. Has been a volunteer with American Cancer Society for more than 40 years serving at local, state and national levels. In 1993, named national president of American Cancer Society, first Asian-American named to that post.
Attitude: “Do not stop learning. I have witnessed the exponential growth of inventions, most notable are treatments for illnesses considered incurable 50 years ago. So learning develops fertile minds, and that is how progress is made.
“When people ask me when I plan to retire, I say, ‘When I get old.’ There is an aphorism in physics that nature abhors a vacuum. This seems to apply to my time as well. Not being able to say no gets me into trouble but keeps my days full and fulfilling.”
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Patti Lyons, 76, historian, secretary and director, Consuelo Foundation
Achievements: Committed to children’s causes all of her adult life. Opened first satellite outreach office in Waianae for Child and Family Service; established advocacy program and neighborhood services division before becoming assistant executive director, then CFS president-CEO. Became first president-CEO of Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation in 1990 responsible for Hawaii and Philippines branches. Named Living Treasure of Hawaii by Honpa Hongwanji Mission and received honorary doctorate in humane letters from University of Hawaii.
Attitude: “As Winston Churchill said, ‘Never give up.‘My grandmother taught me a Bible verse that essentially says the same thing: ‘Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.’ (Galatians 6:9).
“One simply must be persistent in what you believe in. That relates to health as well. I’ve had four types of cancer and a blocked carotid artery.
“I have a lot of good experiences from the past that are lessons learned. If you have any wisdom, share it through mentoring.”
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Michael Town, 69, judge, state of Hawaii Criminal Division, Circuit Court
Achievements: Most senior judge in the Criminal Division of Circuit Court in Honolulu, assigned to the most controversial felony cases. First appointed to the bench in 1979; served as senior judge of Family Court of the First Circuit 1994-1997. National and international speaker; ocean sports coach, and spiritual counselor to “the lost, the lonely and the left out.”
Attitude: “Time has no depth. Stay in the moment and enjoy it. Be guided by ho’omanawanui (patience) ... let time grow. Life is a slow and deliberate process, like the way we solve cases in a courtroom.
“Have a growth mindset. Be mindful of what folks need and deliver just that rather than what you think they need. Allow the community to set the agenda. I have seen that work over and over again, from the Kahoolawe effort to Family Court projects to Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii.”
Next feat: Plans to walk the Camino de Santiago 500-mile pilgrimage across the north of Spain.
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Jackie Young, Ph.D., 76, chief staff officer for mission, American Cancer Society
Achievements: American Cancer Society executive since 1999. Well-known community advocate for social justice, special education, the women’s movement, equal rights and access to care. Former member of House of Representatives and vice speaker of the House, the first woman to hold that position. Breast cancer survivor; celebrated her 76th birthday by walking the Great Wall of China.
Attitude: “How do I stay young? My name helps. I walk with a pedometer every day and try to do 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day. I’m also very conscious of healthy meals ... eat a rainbow ... have fresh food with lots of color. The brighter, the better.
“My advice to young people would be to emphasize volunteer work at non-profits, where there is always a need. Find something valuable to do that’s compatible with your personal interests.”
Next feat: “I had a hole in one on the 17th hole at Kalakaua Golf Course at age 17. I’m about due for another.”
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