BYU-Hawaii president John “Keoni” Kauwe has cancer that needs immediate treatment, he announced Wednesday in an Instagram reel.
“Last Friday, I found out that I have rectal cancer. This cancer is treatable, but it’s serious. It requires immediate care and several months of focused treatment,” he said.
Kauwe, a recognized Alzheimer’s researcher, will continue to serve as BYU-Hawaii’s president, he said. He said his wife, Sister Monica Kauwe, and their children share his gratitude and optimism despite the diagnosis.
“We are feeling joy, even in this challenging season,” he said. “We are focused on healing and moving forward with faith and optimism, knowing that we are in the Lord’s hands. We invite each of you to do the same, whatever you’re facing in life, we got this. We love you, and I’m excited to continue serving as president of BYU Hawaii.”
Kauwe said the family is optimistic because they feel led by God. He said personal revelation led him to improve his physical health over the past year because of a very high inherited risk for diabetes and cancer.
“My improved physical health allowed me to more quickly observe that something was off in my body, and motivated me to take action,” he said. “Gratefully, the cancer has not spread widely, and because of my improved health, I should be more resilient as I undergo treatment in the coming months.”
Kauwe said he has been comforted by a priesthood blessing, the Holy Ghost and the love, faith, fasting and prayers of others.
He quoted President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the chairman of the board of BYU-Hawaii:
“President Nelson taught, ‘Brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives,’” President Kauwe said. “Monica and I know that to be true.”
He asked members of the BYU-Hawaii community to do four things:
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Be quick to observe as you care for yourself spiritually and physically.
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Take control of your learning. “You have the capacity to serve others in many ways that will bless many lives in the future.”
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“Take charge of your testimony, strengthen it, and you’ll have great joy in this life, even through trials.”
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Continue BYU-Hawaii’s progress.
“It will be a great comfort to me, as my primary focus is on healing, to know that you are focused on fulfilling our stewardship with excellence,” he said.
Kauwe said the university will provide periodic updates on his health and progress.
“But the last thing I want is for my condition to become the basis of every interaction we have,” he said. “If you see us around campus, please share with us some great news in your life. Tell us how you’re loving and serving others here at BYU-Hawaii.”
Kauwe said his faith will continue to help him in the coming months.
“I know that God lives and has a plan for eternal happiness for each of us,” he said. “I know that Jesus Christ lives and that his Atonement is central to God’s plan. I know that it brings us peace and joy, even in the hardest of times. I know that families can be forever, and I’m grateful for the priesthood power that seals Monica and me and our kids for all eternity.”
President and Sister Kauwe delivered devotional addresses last week to open the new fall semester.
