Help Toru Beat Leukemia and Get Back in the Water

Aloha everyone,

I’m writing about my dad, Toru — many of you might know him as the Surf Garage guy with his blue Vanagon.

Although it was mostly kept quiet, he had successfully beaten a tumorous cancer just about a year ago. However, earlier this year, at his one-year post-cancer checkup, he got dealt another bad card; the bloodwork found that he’s now fighting one of the most aggressive forms of leukemia. Fast forward to today, he’s away from life at home to receive treatment at a specialized hospital in Japan. He’s gone through three months of chemo in preparation for his body to receive a bone marrow transplant from one of my brothers later this month (July).

My dad started Surf Garage in 2002, and for over 20 years, I believe that he’s played a significant part in Hawaii’s surf community. The shop has always been more than just a place for gear — it’s where connections were made in a store where the owner would almost always be around to talk story. Whether people were there contemplating another board or just grabbing a bar of wax, I think everyone could appreciate what he built out of his true passion for surfing.

Now, instead of being behind that counter or in the water, he’s finding himself in and out of hospitals — facing this challenge with his head held up high.

When I brought up the idea of a GoFundMe, he was never a fan. But I know that even though the financial part of this whole ordeal should be the last thing on his mind, it’s weighing on him while he’s forced to be away from his shop. Any help — whether it’s a donation or just stopping by our store the next time you need something — means a lot to our family. Most of all, I truly believe that this can do what no medicine can: lift his spirits up by reminding him of the community behind him.