In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, The Queen’s Health Systems (Queen’s) is sharing a powerful story of recovery of one of its patients in an effort to help educate the community about the life-saving “BE FAST” warning signs.
For local musician and 2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards finalist Jonathan Hoʻomanawanui, music has always been more than a passion. But after a performance in September 2024, he suddenly began experiencing alarming symptoms.
“I had a hard time speaking, my coordination was off, and I felt weakness on my right side. I knew something was wrong,” recalled Hoʻomanawanui.
Hoʻomanawanui was having a stroke. He called 9-1-1 and was rushed to The Queen’s Medical Center, home to Hawaiʻi’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center, where he received emergency treatment.
“Stroke is when a blood vessel in the brain suddenly gets blocked, often by a clot, cutting off blood flow. Brain tissue begins to die very quickly,” explained Dr. Kazuma Nakagawa, Chief of Queen’s Neuroscience Institute. “If you don’t restore that blood flow, you can lose up to two million brain cells per minute. Time is critical.”
Doctors urge the public to remember the acronym BE FAST to recognize stroke symptoms:
- Balance – sudden loss of balance
- Eyes – sudden vision changes
- Face – facial drooping
- Arm – weakness in one arm
- Speech – slurred or garbled speech
- Time – call 9-1-1 immediately
For Hoʻomanawanui, recovery included an unexpected form of therapy: music.
“Dr. Kent Yamamoto told me to sing and play every day for my motor skills,” said Hoʻomanawanui. “That’s the best physical therapy you can get—music.”
Now back to performing, Hoʻomanawanui hopes his experience encourages others to seek help immediately if symptoms appear.
“Please call 9-1-1. Don’t think it’s going to go away,” said Hoʻomanawanui. “I thought I was in top shape. It can happen to anyone.”
His journey is a reminder that recognizing stroke symptoms, acting quickly, and accessing expert care can save lives and improve recovery outcomes.
To learn more about The Queen’s Comprehensive Stroke Center, visit:
www.queens.org/stroke.
To watch Jonathan’s inspiring story, click below.
