This year, we honor Brayden Kumasaki and his extraordinary journey.

Brayden and his twin brother, Brysen, were born in 2019 at just 24 weeks — micro-preemies whose odds were against them from day one. Brysen passed away just a few hours after birth. No one was certain Brayden would make it either, but he began making slow progress in the NICU.

At two months old, the family started to hope they might soon bring him home. Instead, Brayden needed to be intubated. After weeks of tests and uncertainty, doctors determined he would need a tracheostomy, performed on March 10, 2020. As his care team began weaning his sedation, they discovered his tracheomalacia was far more severe than expected, requiring a custom trach. Complications followed — fluid retention, an abdominal drain, and a transfer to the PICU — and Brayden's condition declined to the point where his family faced the hardest decision a parent can make and signed a DNR.

After weeks of fighting, and countless prayers, Brayden began to turn a corner. Further tests confirmed he was no longer dying, and after weeks of training and learning, his family finally brought him home. To this day, Brayden's family remains deeply thankful for the NICU and PICU teams who cared for him through it all — the steady hands and hearts who fought alongside them every step of the way.

Since coming home, Brayden's mom has been his full-time caregiver, managing his round-the-clock medical needs, while his dad continues working at Aiea Bowling Alley to support their family. Their days are built entirely around Brayden's care, therapies, and appointments.

Every milestone since has been hard-won. His tracheostomy has since been removed, and we're celebrating his most recent victory — the removal of his G-tube. Each step forward reflects his courage and determination, and his family's unwavering love and strength.

Our own connection with Brayden is especially meaningful — our Vice President and co-founder, Larson Leu, and his wife, Melissa, first met Brayden through Melissa's work in healthcare, making his selection as our 2026 Child of the Year a truly full-circle moment for our foundation.

Inspired by Brayden's resilience and his love of Disney's Cars, we take to the course ready to "keep moving forward"—celebrating every victory, rallying around Brayden and his 'ohana, and bringing a little Cars-themed fun to the tournament as we raise hope and support for children and families throughout Hawai'i.