Support Kaipolani Barros’ Healing Journey
Donation protected
Aloha mai kākou! Thank you for taking the time to explore this fundraising campaign for Kaipolani Barros. Please read on for more information about the situation and how you can help.
Who is Kaipolani Barros?
Alicia Kaipolani Barros is many things to so many people. For some, she is a fellow dancer from the “old days” of Tavana’s Polynesian Spectacular, or a beloved friend from Kalani High School who has stood the test of time. For others, she is a mother and grandmother, known for covering both humans and a menagerie of animals in her love and affection. Others may know Kaipo as a dedicated teacher of Tahitian dance and long-time volunteer for Punahou School’s Holokū Pageant. Maybe you know her as a coworker from her days at Bank of Hawai‘i or the Executive Offices at The Hilton Hawaiian Village. Some of you have been coached toward Miss Hawai‘i titles by her, and still others know her as the kind, caring “office aunty” at Hālau Kū Mana Charter School. However you know her, what everyone knows about Kaipo is her genuine sweetness, care, and kind-heartedness toward others.
Kaipolani’s Health and Road to Recovery
In September 2020, Kaipo was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. At that time, PET scans showed that it had metastasized to her liver, lungs, and lymph nodes, as well. Since then, Kaipo has been receiving aggressive chemotherapy treatments; surgery is also included in her future care plan. In addition to the usual physical and financial difficulties in facing a cancer diagnosis and course of treatment, due to the increased threat of COVID-19 while undergoing treatment, Kaipo has had to leave her family home that she shares with her son, his wife, and her 4 grandchildren, including her infant granddaughter. This has been both heartbreaking and financially challenging for her. Until now, she has been able to stay at a friend’s home, saving her from having to use her life savings for rent and utilities. However, as her treatment continues on, she now faces paying for living expenses, as well as mounting medical bills. She also has exhausted all of her medical leave, vacation, and paid leave and therefore is simultaneously facing a loss of almost half of her income as she goes on temporary disability insurance. It is a challenging set of circumstances, but Kaipo is going forward with her healing and staying open to any and all good that comes her way; she says she has more good days than bad ones and her doctors are very encouraged by the progress she is making.
How You Can Help
It goes without saying that no one should have to face additional financial stress while going through the rigors of chemotherapy. Kaipo should be able to focus on her healing and recovery, period. Since first learning of Kaipo’s diagnosis, many have looked for ways to be of real, practical help. This fundraiser is one very critical way you can assist her. Donations from this GoFundMe will be used by Kaipo at her sole discretion for living expenses, medical bills, and personal needs. Any amount, even a single dollar, is an important gift and is received with so much gratitude. And, even if you are unable to make a donation at this time, you can still share this campaign on your social media platforms, or via email and text. Kaipo has touched so many people, and there are so many who would want to be able to help her during this time of increased need. Please help get the word out! ALL efforts - prayers, distance healings, letters of encouragement, good vibes, and of course, donations - are welcomed, greatly appreciated, and have the power to effect positive progress in Kaipo’s healing journey.
If you wish to send a letter, small care package, or a donation by check, Kaipo is currently setting up a PO Box and an update will posted with that information as soon as it is available.
As a long-time student of Kaipo’s (28 years and counting!), I have known her graciousness, bubbly laugh, twinkling-eye smile, creative genius, deep kindness, and overflowing generosity for most of my life and it has been a blessing to me. I know she has also been a blessing - both great and small - to so many others who have crossed paths with her. Please consider making a donation and sharing this campaign. And thank you for being a blessing to her!
Me ka ha‘aha‘a, me ke aloha,
Krista (Steinfeld) Savio
Who is Kaipolani Barros?
Alicia Kaipolani Barros is many things to so many people. For some, she is a fellow dancer from the “old days” of Tavana’s Polynesian Spectacular, or a beloved friend from Kalani High School who has stood the test of time. For others, she is a mother and grandmother, known for covering both humans and a menagerie of animals in her love and affection. Others may know Kaipo as a dedicated teacher of Tahitian dance and long-time volunteer for Punahou School’s Holokū Pageant. Maybe you know her as a coworker from her days at Bank of Hawai‘i or the Executive Offices at The Hilton Hawaiian Village. Some of you have been coached toward Miss Hawai‘i titles by her, and still others know her as the kind, caring “office aunty” at Hālau Kū Mana Charter School. However you know her, what everyone knows about Kaipo is her genuine sweetness, care, and kind-heartedness toward others.
Kaipolani’s Health and Road to Recovery
In September 2020, Kaipo was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. At that time, PET scans showed that it had metastasized to her liver, lungs, and lymph nodes, as well. Since then, Kaipo has been receiving aggressive chemotherapy treatments; surgery is also included in her future care plan. In addition to the usual physical and financial difficulties in facing a cancer diagnosis and course of treatment, due to the increased threat of COVID-19 while undergoing treatment, Kaipo has had to leave her family home that she shares with her son, his wife, and her 4 grandchildren, including her infant granddaughter. This has been both heartbreaking and financially challenging for her. Until now, she has been able to stay at a friend’s home, saving her from having to use her life savings for rent and utilities. However, as her treatment continues on, she now faces paying for living expenses, as well as mounting medical bills. She also has exhausted all of her medical leave, vacation, and paid leave and therefore is simultaneously facing a loss of almost half of her income as she goes on temporary disability insurance. It is a challenging set of circumstances, but Kaipo is going forward with her healing and staying open to any and all good that comes her way; she says she has more good days than bad ones and her doctors are very encouraged by the progress she is making.
How You Can Help
It goes without saying that no one should have to face additional financial stress while going through the rigors of chemotherapy. Kaipo should be able to focus on her healing and recovery, period. Since first learning of Kaipo’s diagnosis, many have looked for ways to be of real, practical help. This fundraiser is one very critical way you can assist her. Donations from this GoFundMe will be used by Kaipo at her sole discretion for living expenses, medical bills, and personal needs. Any amount, even a single dollar, is an important gift and is received with so much gratitude. And, even if you are unable to make a donation at this time, you can still share this campaign on your social media platforms, or via email and text. Kaipo has touched so many people, and there are so many who would want to be able to help her during this time of increased need. Please help get the word out! ALL efforts - prayers, distance healings, letters of encouragement, good vibes, and of course, donations - are welcomed, greatly appreciated, and have the power to effect positive progress in Kaipo’s healing journey.
If you wish to send a letter, small care package, or a donation by check, Kaipo is currently setting up a PO Box and an update will posted with that information as soon as it is available.
As a long-time student of Kaipo’s (28 years and counting!), I have known her graciousness, bubbly laugh, twinkling-eye smile, creative genius, deep kindness, and overflowing generosity for most of my life and it has been a blessing to me. I know she has also been a blessing - both great and small - to so many others who have crossed paths with her. Please consider making a donation and sharing this campaign. And thank you for being a blessing to her!
Me ka ha‘aha‘a, me ke aloha,
Krista (Steinfeld) Savio
Organizer and beneficiary
Krista Savio
Organizer
Kailua, HI
Alicia Kaipolani Barros
Beneficiary