Soya Miyagi of Hilo was not yet 3 years old when he was diagnosed in December 2013 with neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer. He moved with his family — parents Kohei and Miyuki, and younger brother Hiroto — just a month later from Hilo to Honolulu in order to receive treatment at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children.
The next three years were filled with periods of remission and relapse. During times when he felt well enough, Soya joined in eisa (Okinawan folk dance) events in Honolulu.
On Sept. 24, 2016, Soya lost his battle against cancer. He would have been 6 years old.
A benefit concert in honor of Soya will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Hilo Taishoji Soto mission.
Friends and family in the Hilo community as well as the Okinawa community worked to help the Miyagi family cover Soya’s medical expenses, hosting garage sales and a fundraising concert.
In accordance with the family’s wishes, Sunday’s concert will raise money for Kapiolani Medical Center, where children from throughout the Pacific are still fighting cancer. The money will be donated in Soya’s name.
The two-hour concert will feature music from Studio Ghibli animé. Entrance is free but donations are encouraged.
Performers include:
• Kaweo Kanoho, opera tenor.
• Herb Mahelona, Hawaii opera composer, arranger and musician.
• Sayaka-san, formerly of the Japanese all-female theater troupe Takarazuka Revue.
• Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko.
• Taishoji Taiko.
The Hilo Taishoji Soto mission is at 275 Kinoole St.
For more information, contact savethesmile16@gmail.com or 238-4075.
