Skyler's Fight to Beat Cancer
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Read Skyler's Graduation Speech (Select "Seniors" Tab)
“I know many challenges lie ahead, but when life throws me a bad pass or commits a personal foul, I will do a little dance step to circumvent the obstacle. No matter what happens, I will keep going until the whistle blows or the play is done. I humbly ask for your support in my journey.”
These were Skyler Maltezo-Ogata’s words in a recent scholarship request letter. Skyler, a Hilo High School football and basketball player, aspires to go to college: “My number one goal after high school is to create a balanced and stable life. I come from a single parent home. My mom has worked very hard to provide for me in school and in sports. There was a time when my mom had to work five jobs at the same time to support us. She has finally cut down to two jobs. This is my motivation to go to college—to prepare for a career that will allow me to build a better lifestyle and to support my mom and sister.” (Scholarship letter excerpt)
As his teacher, I was certain that Skyler would realize his dream. In spite of unfortunate hardships that he faced growing up, Skyler was the kind of kid who pushed negativity aside and climbed over pessimism, always pulling his friends up along the way. He was the embodiment of ALOHA, always smiling and making everyone laugh with his funny antics and dance moves. When we hiked out of Waipio Valley, he would reach the top well before the rest of us...then carry as many cold drinks as he could (in his t-shirt) and hike back down to provide some relief for his peers...then hike back up to fill up his t-shirt again...then hike back down to the next wave of students struggling to make their way out of the valley. This was typical Skyler, always thinking of others before himself.
Shortly after graduation, Skyler experienced severe back pain that resulted in a visit to the ER. Armed with a muscle relaxant, pain reliever, and heating pad (which he used his graduation money to pay for), he started his college journey. With no access to a computer, car, or WiFi at home, he walked to the Lanakila Learning Center in between classes to do his homework. However, the pain intensified and he eventually ended up back in the ER where he was then medivaced to Kuakini Hospital for emergency surgery to remove a large blood clot that was pressing against his spinal nerves, thus explaining the excruciating pain and numbness going down his legs. Preliminary lab results indicated the presence of cancer cells.
I encouraged Skyler to withdraw from his Hawaii Community College courses at that time (so that he could focus on his recovery first), but he was confident that he could finish out the semester. This was in spite of the fact that he was still in considerable pain and in need of hour-long, self-administered antibiotics through a PICC line 3X/day. A few days later, however, blinding pain resulted in his return to Kuakini Hospital where an MRI, PET scan, and CT scan confirmed carcinoma in his spine/back and lungs. Radiation treatments started a day later, to be followed by chemotherapy.
Skyler is alone on Oahu. We are, of course, sending positive thoughts and prayers his way...and he is in the capable and caring hands of the doctors and nurses at Kuakini Hospital. However, his mother (who juggles 2 jobs) must continue to work to pay the rent so that Skyler has a home to return to. Although a friend bought a ticket for his mom (who used limited vacation days) for this weekend so that she could be with him, additional support is desperately needed.
Skyler, being Skyler, said that he doesn’t like to lose...and that he intends to fight this and win! And we believe him. But he really needs our help right now to win this battle so that he can move forward and complete his college dream. Please support Skyler (and his ohana) so that his mother can continue to fly up to Oahu on the weekends to be with him...and so that needs, such as a heating pad, can be taken care of without adding undue financial hardship and stress.
Skyler has always walked in this world with gratitude in his heart—any contribution at all will be greatly appreciated. I am really hoping that all of the aloha that Skyler put out into this world can now come back to this loving and deserving young man.
UPDATE (9/12/16): Hilo has spoken...the Big Island has taken a stand...the State of Hawaii has made some noise...and even California and Washington have chimed in. Your support sends an undeniable message to our friend Skyler--WE LOVE YOU...WE GOT YOUR BACK!
When I first set up the Go Fund Me account, I had no idea what to expect. I set a modest goal hoping to provide some support to Skyler and his mother, Crystal-Lynn Ogata. And when donations appeared literally within minutes it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. Thank you so very much.
Skyler is overwhelmed with gratitude for your words of encouragement, prayers, and generous donations. He said, "It makes me filled with elation and warms my heart and I still can't find the right words to thank everyone! It means so much to me and everyone's support just makes me want to fight to get better! All of this has me speechless and I feel truly grateful and blessed!"
As Skyler undergoes radiation and chemotherapy treatments...and fights to get on the other side of what he said feels like a "dreamy nightmare"...please continue to encourage your family and friends to reach out to Skyler so that he and his mom can put aside any worries about finances and setbacks and focus on his healing instead. As many of you may know, the road to recovery can be long and rough. And a mother should never have to choose between being with her child in need and working to keep a roof over her family's head. But together, I know that we can help Skyler to win this fight against cancer! Mahalo for all that you have done and continue to do on his behalf!
Photo below of Sky volunteering to help the Salvation Army--so awesome that the goodness that he has shared with others is now coming back to bless him in his time of need!
UPDATE (9/16/16): "Angels lift our hearts and give us wings to fly." Thanks to angels in our midst, Skyler's mom will be on a flight to Oahu tonight to be with her son, not just for the weekend...but for the week. Mahalo to the 4 donors who stepped up to purchase 4 round trip plane tickets (to cover this month)...and to Skyler's guardian angel who is covering his mom's wages for the week so that she can be by his side as he starts his chemotherapy.
"You fight, we fight"...thanks to the generosity of Creative Arts Hawaii, a banner will be hung in Skyler's honor at the football games to encourage more warriors to join Skyler's fight against cancer! And mahalo to the Lanakila Learning Center students for posting Go Fund Me flyers in downtown Hilo until not one flyer was left!
THANK YOU CREATIVE ARTS HAWAII FOR THE DONATION OF THE BEAUTIFUL BANNER!
MAHALO TO THE HILO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM FOR YOUR WELL-WISHES AND SUPPORT!
Medical and other expenses quickly add up, but by joining forces we can make sure that there is never a day when Skyler's care is compromised or his needs unmet. Crystal would like to express how extremely grateful she is for all of the love, prayers, and support that they are continuously receiving!
To those of you who have asked your family and friends to check in on Skyler during the week--yes, I have seen the plate lunches and sushi, as well as the huge smile on his face when he was surrounded by a team of visiting "local braddah unko angels"--mahalo, mahalo, mahalo! From the Straight Talk phone card gift (so that Skyler can stay connected to loved ones)...to the video of the football team sending him their aloha...to the photo of his friends streaking down Chong Street in the middle of the night (inside joke) until Skyler can join the naked jogging crew himself!...you are all healing Skyler, along with his doctors and nurses!
Please know that every, single donation is truly appreciated--you are all making a TREMENDOUS difference for Skyler and his family. Please help us to continue to build Skyler's support team until he is cancer-free and college-bound!
UPDATE (10/6/16): "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win the war." The enemy, in this case, is a very rare soft tissue cancer, epithelioid sarcoma. In the last 3 weeks, Skyler has faced many battles--first, with a life-threatening blood clot in his lungs that required a blood thinner that could potentially cause the tumor in his back to bleed out (another life-threatening situation). This was followed by a lung infection, then pneumonia, topped with fever...all of which delayed the start of his chemotherapy.
During this vulnerable time, Skyler really needed his ohana by his side. On a moment's notice, in flew his beloved Aunty Lea who provided Skyler with the emotional support that he needed to gather his resolve to fight. Mom flew in soon thereafter as soon as her work schedule allowed it. And this quick gathering of loved ones was possible because of so many caring individuals who stepped up to say, "Skyler, we got you--You will NOT fight this battle alone!" Mahalo to Skyler's entire army of soldiers--your donations and prayers provide the "reinforcements" that are making a huge difference in Skyler's ability to #BEATCANCER. Please continue to send your positive energy and healing thoughts to Skyler until we have epithelioid sarcoma on the run!
UPDATE (10/18/16): Skyler is coming home! Tomorrow marks a long-awaited for day for our friend! With one round of chemotherapy completed...and his blood cell count and bone marrow health back in order..Skyler can now recuperate in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Although he is eager to see everyone, his doctor has emphasized the importance of not exposing Skyler to any germs as chemotherapy has compromised his immune system (thus making him susceptible to illness).
Therefore, it is important to avoid face-to-face visits if you are feeling under the weather (until you are 100% well). If there is any doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution so that our friend can fully recover without any setbacks! His doctor will be sending home face masks for visitors to use. Also, please contact Skyler or his mom before visiting so that his family can have some private time...and he can get some rest in between reconnecting with everyone. We miss you so much Sky! Welcome back home, love!
UPDATE (10/31/16): Our beloved Skyler has passed away. Let us hold our cherished memories of him close to our hearts and find ways to honor this wonderful young man and all that he stood for so that his spirit will live on through each of us. Sky was like a ray of sunshine. Let us shine brightly in his memory. We love you Skyler!
UPDATE (11/7/16): Skyler's Celebration of Life will be held at Dodo Mortuary on December 2nd (6-9 p.m.) and December 3rd (8-10 a.m.). Two services will be offered to allow everyone the opportunity to be there for Sky and his ohana.
Sky's college goal was to become a counselor so that he could give back by helping others. According to Sky's mom, he shared that when he was successful, he intended to take care of her...and to give back to the Lanakila Learning Center. In loving memory of Sky, his family has decided to offer a memorial scholarship in Sky's name to support a Lanakila senior who best exemplifies what Lanakila...and Skyler...stood for, thus fulfilling his wish to give back to the program and supporting a graduate in completing Sky's college dream. Mahalo to Sky's ohana...we are truly honored!
“I know many challenges lie ahead, but when life throws me a bad pass or commits a personal foul, I will do a little dance step to circumvent the obstacle. No matter what happens, I will keep going until the whistle blows or the play is done. I humbly ask for your support in my journey.”
These were Skyler Maltezo-Ogata’s words in a recent scholarship request letter. Skyler, a Hilo High School football and basketball player, aspires to go to college: “My number one goal after high school is to create a balanced and stable life. I come from a single parent home. My mom has worked very hard to provide for me in school and in sports. There was a time when my mom had to work five jobs at the same time to support us. She has finally cut down to two jobs. This is my motivation to go to college—to prepare for a career that will allow me to build a better lifestyle and to support my mom and sister.” (Scholarship letter excerpt)
As his teacher, I was certain that Skyler would realize his dream. In spite of unfortunate hardships that he faced growing up, Skyler was the kind of kid who pushed negativity aside and climbed over pessimism, always pulling his friends up along the way. He was the embodiment of ALOHA, always smiling and making everyone laugh with his funny antics and dance moves. When we hiked out of Waipio Valley, he would reach the top well before the rest of us...then carry as many cold drinks as he could (in his t-shirt) and hike back down to provide some relief for his peers...then hike back up to fill up his t-shirt again...then hike back down to the next wave of students struggling to make their way out of the valley. This was typical Skyler, always thinking of others before himself.
Shortly after graduation, Skyler experienced severe back pain that resulted in a visit to the ER. Armed with a muscle relaxant, pain reliever, and heating pad (which he used his graduation money to pay for), he started his college journey. With no access to a computer, car, or WiFi at home, he walked to the Lanakila Learning Center in between classes to do his homework. However, the pain intensified and he eventually ended up back in the ER where he was then medivaced to Kuakini Hospital for emergency surgery to remove a large blood clot that was pressing against his spinal nerves, thus explaining the excruciating pain and numbness going down his legs. Preliminary lab results indicated the presence of cancer cells.
I encouraged Skyler to withdraw from his Hawaii Community College courses at that time (so that he could focus on his recovery first), but he was confident that he could finish out the semester. This was in spite of the fact that he was still in considerable pain and in need of hour-long, self-administered antibiotics through a PICC line 3X/day. A few days later, however, blinding pain resulted in his return to Kuakini Hospital where an MRI, PET scan, and CT scan confirmed carcinoma in his spine/back and lungs. Radiation treatments started a day later, to be followed by chemotherapy.
Skyler is alone on Oahu. We are, of course, sending positive thoughts and prayers his way...and he is in the capable and caring hands of the doctors and nurses at Kuakini Hospital. However, his mother (who juggles 2 jobs) must continue to work to pay the rent so that Skyler has a home to return to. Although a friend bought a ticket for his mom (who used limited vacation days) for this weekend so that she could be with him, additional support is desperately needed.
Skyler, being Skyler, said that he doesn’t like to lose...and that he intends to fight this and win! And we believe him. But he really needs our help right now to win this battle so that he can move forward and complete his college dream. Please support Skyler (and his ohana) so that his mother can continue to fly up to Oahu on the weekends to be with him...and so that needs, such as a heating pad, can be taken care of without adding undue financial hardship and stress.
Skyler has always walked in this world with gratitude in his heart—any contribution at all will be greatly appreciated. I am really hoping that all of the aloha that Skyler put out into this world can now come back to this loving and deserving young man.
UPDATE (9/12/16): Hilo has spoken...the Big Island has taken a stand...the State of Hawaii has made some noise...and even California and Washington have chimed in. Your support sends an undeniable message to our friend Skyler--WE LOVE YOU...WE GOT YOUR BACK!
When I first set up the Go Fund Me account, I had no idea what to expect. I set a modest goal hoping to provide some support to Skyler and his mother, Crystal-Lynn Ogata. And when donations appeared literally within minutes it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. Thank you so very much.
Skyler is overwhelmed with gratitude for your words of encouragement, prayers, and generous donations. He said, "It makes me filled with elation and warms my heart and I still can't find the right words to thank everyone! It means so much to me and everyone's support just makes me want to fight to get better! All of this has me speechless and I feel truly grateful and blessed!"
As Skyler undergoes radiation and chemotherapy treatments...and fights to get on the other side of what he said feels like a "dreamy nightmare"...please continue to encourage your family and friends to reach out to Skyler so that he and his mom can put aside any worries about finances and setbacks and focus on his healing instead. As many of you may know, the road to recovery can be long and rough. And a mother should never have to choose between being with her child in need and working to keep a roof over her family's head. But together, I know that we can help Skyler to win this fight against cancer! Mahalo for all that you have done and continue to do on his behalf!
Photo below of Sky volunteering to help the Salvation Army--so awesome that the goodness that he has shared with others is now coming back to bless him in his time of need!
UPDATE (9/16/16): "Angels lift our hearts and give us wings to fly." Thanks to angels in our midst, Skyler's mom will be on a flight to Oahu tonight to be with her son, not just for the weekend...but for the week. Mahalo to the 4 donors who stepped up to purchase 4 round trip plane tickets (to cover this month)...and to Skyler's guardian angel who is covering his mom's wages for the week so that she can be by his side as he starts his chemotherapy.
"You fight, we fight"...thanks to the generosity of Creative Arts Hawaii, a banner will be hung in Skyler's honor at the football games to encourage more warriors to join Skyler's fight against cancer! And mahalo to the Lanakila Learning Center students for posting Go Fund Me flyers in downtown Hilo until not one flyer was left!
THANK YOU CREATIVE ARTS HAWAII FOR THE DONATION OF THE BEAUTIFUL BANNER!MAHALO TO THE HILO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM FOR YOUR WELL-WISHES AND SUPPORT! Medical and other expenses quickly add up, but by joining forces we can make sure that there is never a day when Skyler's care is compromised or his needs unmet. Crystal would like to express how extremely grateful she is for all of the love, prayers, and support that they are continuously receiving!
To those of you who have asked your family and friends to check in on Skyler during the week--yes, I have seen the plate lunches and sushi, as well as the huge smile on his face when he was surrounded by a team of visiting "local braddah unko angels"--mahalo, mahalo, mahalo! From the Straight Talk phone card gift (so that Skyler can stay connected to loved ones)...to the video of the football team sending him their aloha...to the photo of his friends streaking down Chong Street in the middle of the night (inside joke) until Skyler can join the naked jogging crew himself!...you are all healing Skyler, along with his doctors and nurses!
Please know that every, single donation is truly appreciated--you are all making a TREMENDOUS difference for Skyler and his family. Please help us to continue to build Skyler's support team until he is cancer-free and college-bound!
UPDATE (10/6/16): "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win the war." The enemy, in this case, is a very rare soft tissue cancer, epithelioid sarcoma. In the last 3 weeks, Skyler has faced many battles--first, with a life-threatening blood clot in his lungs that required a blood thinner that could potentially cause the tumor in his back to bleed out (another life-threatening situation). This was followed by a lung infection, then pneumonia, topped with fever...all of which delayed the start of his chemotherapy.
During this vulnerable time, Skyler really needed his ohana by his side. On a moment's notice, in flew his beloved Aunty Lea who provided Skyler with the emotional support that he needed to gather his resolve to fight. Mom flew in soon thereafter as soon as her work schedule allowed it. And this quick gathering of loved ones was possible because of so many caring individuals who stepped up to say, "Skyler, we got you--You will NOT fight this battle alone!" Mahalo to Skyler's entire army of soldiers--your donations and prayers provide the "reinforcements" that are making a huge difference in Skyler's ability to #BEATCANCER. Please continue to send your positive energy and healing thoughts to Skyler until we have epithelioid sarcoma on the run!
UPDATE (10/18/16): Skyler is coming home! Tomorrow marks a long-awaited for day for our friend! With one round of chemotherapy completed...and his blood cell count and bone marrow health back in order..Skyler can now recuperate in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Although he is eager to see everyone, his doctor has emphasized the importance of not exposing Skyler to any germs as chemotherapy has compromised his immune system (thus making him susceptible to illness).
Therefore, it is important to avoid face-to-face visits if you are feeling under the weather (until you are 100% well). If there is any doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution so that our friend can fully recover without any setbacks! His doctor will be sending home face masks for visitors to use. Also, please contact Skyler or his mom before visiting so that his family can have some private time...and he can get some rest in between reconnecting with everyone. We miss you so much Sky! Welcome back home, love!
UPDATE (10/31/16): Our beloved Skyler has passed away. Let us hold our cherished memories of him close to our hearts and find ways to honor this wonderful young man and all that he stood for so that his spirit will live on through each of us. Sky was like a ray of sunshine. Let us shine brightly in his memory. We love you Skyler!
UPDATE (11/7/16): Skyler's Celebration of Life will be held at Dodo Mortuary on December 2nd (6-9 p.m.) and December 3rd (8-10 a.m.). Two services will be offered to allow everyone the opportunity to be there for Sky and his ohana.
Sky's college goal was to become a counselor so that he could give back by helping others. According to Sky's mom, he shared that when he was successful, he intended to take care of her...and to give back to the Lanakila Learning Center. In loving memory of Sky, his family has decided to offer a memorial scholarship in Sky's name to support a Lanakila senior who best exemplifies what Lanakila...and Skyler...stood for, thus fulfilling his wish to give back to the program and supporting a graduate in completing Sky's college dream. Mahalo to Sky's ohana...we are truly honored!
Organizer and beneficiary
Wendy Hamane
Organizer
Hilo, HI
Crystal-Lynn Ogata
Beneficiary
