The Woman Who Inspired Our Foundation
MACHIKO’S STORY
Machiko Chiba lived a life of quiet strength, adventure, and unwavering kindness. Born in Shizuoka, Japan, just before World War II, her early years were marked by hardship. Her parents divorced when she was an infant, and she was raised by her aunt, who passed away when Machiko was 20.
Despite these challenges, Machiko's resilience shone through, shaping her into a woman who embraced change and spread warmth wherever she went.
A Life Across Cultures and Continents
As a young adult, Machiko moved to Tokyo during Japan’s postwar rebuilding years, working in administrative roles that demanded adaptability and discipline. She later met an American serviceman, married, and became a U.S. citizen in 1963.
While raising three daughters, she lived in Guam, Oregon, California, and Okinawa—experiences that deepened her appreciation for family, cultural understanding, and perseverance.
In 1971, Machiko joined Duty Free Shoppers (DFS Group) in Guam, selling luxury goods to international travelers. She quickly distinguished herself and rose to become general manager of the company’s largest store—an uncommon achievement for a woman, particularly in that era.
When her first marriage ended, she moved to California and, in 1981, to Hawaii, which she came to consider her true home. There, she rejoined DFS, traveled extensively, and formed lifelong friendships. Outside of work, she was an avid golfer and a dedicated practitioner of shodō, the Japanese art of calligraphy.
Love, Loss, and Companionship
In 1994 Machiko remarried and built a full and vibrant life centered on family, friends, and her beloved Maltese dog, Max. For nearly fifteen years, Max was her constant companion—present for daily walks, quiet evenings, and countless small rituals of comfort. When Max passed away in 2022, the loss was profound.
In the summer of 2023, Machiko was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The prognosis was grim, but she refused to give up easily. She underwent multiple surgeries and more than thirty rounds of chemotherapy at City of Hope in Southern California, determined to pursue every reasonable option. Her resolve left a deep impression on everyone around her.
As her illness progressed and she entered hospice care, Machiko often spoke of Max. She was given a lifelike plush Maltese stuffed animal that closely resembled him and it became a source of unexpected comfort. She held it at night, ran her fingers through its soft fur, and found calm in its familiar presence. The simple act of touch—something warm, gentle, and reassuring—brought her peace when words could no longer do so.
Machiko passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, nearly two years after her diagnosis.
Carrying Her Legacy Forward
Machiko’s experience inspired the creation of Machiko no Ishi. The foundation provides lifelike plush Maltese toys (“stuffies”) to hospice patients—particularly those of Japanese and other Asian ancestry, who may be underserved or overlooked—so they too can experience the quiet comfort Machiko found in her final days.
At the end of life, when conversation is limited and explanations fall short, something soft to hold can offer reassurance, evoke memory, and provide a sense of companionship. Through this simple but deeply human gesture, Machiko’s spirit of kindness lives on.
As our foundation’s guiding principle expresses it:
A gentle warmth at the end of life for all.
MAX’S STORY
The Beloved Companion
In 2007, while living in Utah, Machiko spotted a community bulletin board ad offering a Maltese puppy for adoption. Among the photos was a small, bright-eyed dog who instantly captured her heart. She brought him home and named him Max.
For the next fifteen years, Max was Machiko’s constant companion. He traveled with her throughout the United States, moving easily from Utah to Hawaii and later to California. Machiko often joked that Max was one of the most well-traveled dogs she had ever known. Wherever she went, Max was by her side.
Max was gentle by nature and especially fond of cuddling. He and Machiko shared a quiet, steady bond—one built on routine, closeness, and simple presence. They were rarely apart.
In 2022, Max became ill and passed away in Machiko’s arms. His loss was devastating. She missed him deeply and spoke often of the years they had spent together. When her own health later declined and her world grew smaller, she returned to those memories—of travel, companionship, and the comfort Max had always provided.
The Journey
How We Came to Be
1934
Machiko was born in Japan
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture, directly southwest of Tokyo on the Pacific coast of Honshu.
1963
Machiko becomes a US citizen
Throughout her life she was proud to be Japanese and equally proud to be an American.
1981
Machiko makes Hawaii her home
Despite her many travels, Hawaii was always her most beloved location.
2007
Max enters Machiko’s Life
Machiko adopted Max while in Utah, and he was never far from her during his life.
2015
Machiko moves to California
Machiko relocated from Hawaii to Rancho Cucamonga to be closer to family members in California.
2022
Machiko says goodbye to Max.
He enjoyed a long and happy life as Machiko’s beloved pet and constant companion.
2023
Machiko receives a grim diagnosis.
Her doctors discovered advanced pancreatic cancer, and she commenced a long and grueling chemotherapy regimen.
2025
Machiko passes away at home
After an unrelenting fight against the disease and while in at-home hospice, Machiko succumbed to her illness.
🌸
2026
Machiko no Ishi is launched.
The foundation, whose name means Machiko’s Legacy, begins operations bringing simple comfort to patients in her memory.
How We Operate
Legal Structure
Machiko no Ishi is a nonprofit California public benefit corporation recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
FEIN: 41-3094039
Geographic Focus
Our starting geographical focus is currently Southern California with special attention to the Greater Los Angeles area and locations with large Asian populations.
All-Volunteer
We are an all-volunteer nonprofit based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Our directors are family members of Machiko Chiba, in whose memory this organization was created.
Leadership
President – Thomas McLaughlin
Secretary – Joanne Chiba Camacho
Treasurer – Brian McLaughlin
OUR FOCUS
Who We Serve & Why
A Memorial to Machiko’s Heritage
Our charity respectfully acknowledges and honors Machiko’s ancestry. We give special priority to patients of Japanese and other Asian descent while welcoming and serving all patients and families who may derive solace from these small, soft companions.
Optimizing Limited Resources
Machiko no Ishi was created to be simple and transparent. Every contribution supports the purchase and delivery of plush companions for hospice and palliative care patients. We focus on doing one thing carefully and well, and on being clear about how support is used.
Caring for a Special Community
Studies show that patients of Asian ancestry are often reluctant, sometimes for cultural reasons, to accept specialized hospice and palliative care services and therefore represent a small share of all hospice patients. Our intent is to make sure they are not overlooked.
We Hope to Grow
Because of resource constraints, our geographical focus is currently Southern California with special attention to locations with larger populations of Japanese and other Asian hospice and palliative care patients. Our dream is to one day expand our service to Hawaii and its uniquely high Asian population. A place Machiko considered home.
JOIN OUR MISSION
Help Us Continue Machiko's Legacy
Our plush Maltese stuffies are provided free of charge as a gift of comfort. If you are able, a suggested donation of $45 (or any amount) helps cover the cost of the toy, shipping, and packaging, allowing us to continue this work and provide more comfort to patients in need. Donations are gratefully accepted but never required.
Share your story: Email machikonoishi@gmail.com