The Kā ʻIwalani Award

Established in loving memory of Jade Stice

This year, Family Hui Hawaii is honored to introduce the Kā ʻIwalani Award, established in loving memory of Jade Stice.

Jade was a visionary leader, compassionate advocate, and beloved friend whose warmth and empathy shaped the heart of Family Hui Hawaii. She believed deeply in the power of peer-to-peer support and in creating spaces where families felt seen, heard, and supported. Her legacy lives on in every connection made through Hui and in the community she helped build.

Jade passionately supported families across Hawai’i with her warmth, empathy, and compassion, and lived her life with intention. She was a force of nature, full of life, and connected with everyone she met on a deep level. Jade’s legacy will live on within all of us.

If you would like to, you can share a thought, memory, or message here: familyhuihawaii.org/jade/inlovingmemory

Presented annually, the Kā ʻIwalani Award recognizes a Hui participant who carries Jade's spirit forward by fostering meaningful connections, uplifting fellow families, and going above and beyond in support of Family Hui Hawaii's mission. It celebrates those whose generosity, compassion, and commitment strengthen our community and remind us that no family has to navigate their parenting journey alone.

Introducing our Inaugural Recipient, Janice Madarang

We are proud to recognize Janice Madarang as the inaugural recipient of the Kā ʻIwalani Award.

Janice and her husband, Eric, first joined Hui in the NICU shortly after the birth of their daughter, Millisyn. What began as a place to find support soon became an opportunity for Janice to support others. Through every stage of her family's journey—including both the NICU and later the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit—she continued to show up with honesty, encouragement, and unwavering compassion.

Whether welcoming new families, sharing her experiences, checking in long after hospital stays had ended, or crocheting handmade gifts for every NICU graduate, Janice has consistently created connection and belonging for those around her. Her generosity, resilience, and quiet acts of kindness have touched countless families and perfectly embody the spirit of this award.

Congratulations, Janice, and mahalo for carrying Jade's legacy forward with such grace, compassion, and aloha. Your impact on our Hui community will continue to be felt for years to come.