Steve and Phina

Our great friend, Steven Wroblewski, is fighting for his life in Queens Hospital on the island of Oahu in Hawaii with his wife Phina of 30+ years by his side. He has gone through seven surgeries in the past week to deal with massive internal bleeding and intestinal issues.  At this point the future is very uncertain, other than more surgeries on the horizon. The health insurance provided by Steven's work as a school groundskeeper will help with many of his medical needs. But crushing costs are piling up---the uncovered costs for his one hour ambulance trip to Hilo, uncovered medevac expenses associated with his emergency flight from the hospital in Hilo (unequipped to deal with his condition in addition to running out of his blood type after 18 pints were administered), the loss of his income and Phina's (who is staying by his side through all of this), the cost of Phina's stay on Oahu during this time, the medical co-pays and monthly bills that are piling up. And, of course, one does not know what else will come. 

We are humbly asking you to consider doing unto Steven and Phina as they have done unto countless others. They have have reached out to and helped so many in their lifetimes, taking in and raising several children of the community who needed parents---taking no state or other funds to help them do this. My wife and I along with more 500 students from the University of Minnesota have experienced their aloha first hand over the years. During the past 20 years I have taken 25 groups of students to Steve and Phina's small rural community of Pahala. Each time this remarkable couple spends their days and evenings with us,  making us feel welcome, making us all part of their Ohana. All the while feeding us, teaching us, laughing and playing with us, helping us to see and live life in a new and more meaningful/caring way.  And never asking for anything in return. And they ask for nothing even now, nothing other than your prayers and good wishes, your loving thoughts and memories, your true aloha.

But we are asking for more, asking those of you who reading these words to give as much as you can given your life circumstances, as much as your heart leads you to provide.

As I said the future is uncertain but what is very certain is the deep love, aloha, and appreciation your gift will inspire. The soothing touch that knowing you care will bring at this most difficult of times.