Jill Hirai Cancer Fund

Jill passed away April 18, 2024 after a 10 month battle with multiple Myeloma.

My sister Jill Hirai was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Multiple Myeloma this July. She is 43 years old, married to her High school Sweetheart and has 3 awesome kiddos.

Jill has always gone above and beyond to help everyone in our family. She has always been the family ‘glue’, no nonsense and practical. Always with a listening ear and words of encouragement. (Or words to set you straight if that’s what you need) she always puts others first and Gives her all to help come up with solutions to problems of those she loves.

As we Alaskans know, it can be challenging having to receive medical care out of the State and away from family. Jill (and Jarrett by her side) have been away from home since July and can’t wait to be home with their boys. By starting this fund I hope some of the financial burden that is upon Jill and her family can be reduced while they are unable to work during treatment in Seattle. Many have asked how to help and want to offer a gesture to let the Hirai family know how much they are loved and offer support.

Background: Jill developed worsening neck pain this summer that eventually led her to the Emergency Room in Sitka where she was admitted. Several tumors were found on her bones and she was flown to UW in Seattle. She was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, requiring an intense treatment regime. Her first treatment plan failed but she has responded well to recent strong chemotherapy infusions. She is now starting radiation in hopes to reduce size in the mass on her neck that causes her immense pain. She then will gear up for her bone marrow transplant hopefully in November, possibly needing another one a few months later. She has needed to stay close to her Oncologist at Fred Hutch as her treatment plan can continue to change depending on how her body handles it and potential need for blood transfusions (she has had 20+ blood and plasma transfusions thus far). She has appointments daily and is thankful to have a place to stay near the Cancer Center with Jarrett.

Jill has remained upbeat and positive through this experience. She really misses her boys and has shown so much strength through every procedure, admission, transfusion, and bone biopsy to get well enough to go back home to them.

Currently Multiple Myeloma does not have a cure. There are however new treatment options allowing patients to live longer than ever before, but her cancer will return. We are hopeful Jill will get the longest maintenance phase imaginable (in Sitka!) but also remain aware of the aggressive nature of her particular case and her eventual need to return back to Seattle to try another form of treatment.

Please continue to keep Jill and the Hirai family in your thoughts and prayers.