About

This foundation was co-founded by and perpetuates the legacy of the wonderful Michael Darling. Mike fought cancer relentlessly for 8 years.

Aloha Everyone, 

My name is Kelsey Nishi Darling. In 2015, just months after marrying my best friend, Mike, our world was turned upside down by a stage IV cancer diagnosis. Eight years of complex treatment for his rare cancer followed, filled with moments of fear and uncertainty.  But amidst the struggle, we felt so inspired and endlessly indebted to our intrepid, relentless medical team-super heroes that helped Mike beat all odds of survival over and over again. We began to think that maybe we too could help other cancer patients in some way, and the rest is history. Mike and I put our heads together and stood up Make Lemonade Project a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation with a mission to hard-working cancer survivors¹ who earn too much to qualify for low-income programs. On top of the stress and fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis, worrying about rent and mortgages, food on the table and becoming too sick to work is the last thing any cancer fighter should be giving their much needed energy to.

In partnership with social workers in Hawai’i cancer centers, Make Lemonade Project awards financial aid grants to local cancer survivors fighting hard for their lives.

In June of 2023, eight years after his initial six-month prognosis, Mike passed away. I miss my dear Mike every single day and I am committed to honoring his memory by continuing the work of Make Lemonade Project. I know he would want me to do my best to continue helping cancer survivors fight, heal, and squeeze all the lemons that come with this terrible disease. 

With gratitude,
Kelsey Nishi Darling

¹ From the moment you are diagnosed with cancer, no matter where you are in your disease, you are deemed a cancer survivor.