When President-elect Barack Obama's grandmother died of cancer last month, the family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to organizations in search of a cure for cancer.

Since then, some cancer organizations in Hawaii say they've had only a smattering of donations in memory of Madelyn Dunham.

Dunham, 86, who raised Obama, died two days before he was elected president. Last month, about 200 people attended a tribute ceremony for Dunham, who was one of the first female vice presidents at the Bank of Hawaii.

Up to last week, the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, the only research center in the state, has received two donations in memory of Dunham, totaling less than $100.

Development Officer Cecilia Kramer said it's unusual to not get a bump in donations after families of a prominent person make a request.

“;It may be the economy,”; she said. “;Unfortunately it's affecting all charitable nonprofit organizations.”;

But despite the economy, there hasn't been a significant decline in donations, she said.

“;When the president-elect is in town ... I suspect there will be a little more press coverage if he mentions it again,”; she said. “;I really can't understand why we didn't receive anything.”;

Michele Carbone, interim director of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, said people should consider donating to cancer research because the disease kills one out of four people.

“;When somebody like the grandmother of the elected president dies of cancer it's an opportunity for people to think about this,”; he said. Obama's mother also died of cancer.

Some cancer organizations say it's possible that donations in memory of Dunham were made, just not labeled as such.

Jackie Young, chief of staff officer for the local American Cancer Society, said last week that the local chapter has received up to 10 donations in Dunham's name totaling several hundred dollars.

“;People are very kind and they give small amounts,”; she said, adding that the average donation for a memorial is $25.

A couple of weeks after Dunham's death, the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation received a $50 donation in memory of Dunham.

“;It's a wonderful tribute to think about the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation because we are local,”; said the group's president-elect, Kendis Teho, who was surprised by the donation. “;All our funds stay in Hawaii.”;

HCCF is the sole organization in Hawaii dedicated to helping families with children with cancer.

Andy Winer, Obama's former state campaign director, said about 1,000 condolence cards came to the local office, along with about 12 donations, totaling between $1,000 and $1,500.

He said he wasn't concerned about the scant donations.

“;I'm not sure I had any expectations,”; he said. “;That was something that the family put out there as an option for people.”;