A Tiny House For Gail

Gail Mackenzie is well known here in Hawi, Hawaii. Gail moved to our town on the Kohala Coast nearly 12 years ago. Gail bought 2 acres on Hoea Rd after she lost her home and land to lava in Pahoa in November 1992. Her intention was to build a small home for her and her goats. You may have seen her walking or helping at the Sweet Potato Kitchen. She loves to talk story at the Kohala Coffee Mill, with quick wit, a big smile, always with a big laugh. In mid-April of this year, Gail began to feel ill. On April 27, a neighbor stopped by to check on her and found her unconscious. Gail was rushed to our local hospital in respiratory failure with no blood pressure. She was immediately transferred to Queens in Waimea where she remained in ICU for nearly 3 weeks. The doctors told Susan Alexy that she had a stroke affecting the right side of her body. Gail was very ill, she was diagnosed with Cellulitis, a sever bacterial skin infection which affected her internal organs, kidneys and her heart. The doctor’s prognosis sounded bleak. They told Susan she may never regain the use of her right side. But slowly she came back to us and is determined to live.

As most of us know, Gail is one tough old goat, a survivor, a country woman and my oh my strong willed. As she showed improvement, she was transferred to the Life Care Center of Hilo. Gail has been there a month, has slowly regained her physical abilities, and 2 weeks ago she began walking and eating solid foods. Gail is shocking the doctors, with her will to recovery. Her speech has improved, and every day is a blessing for her. The staff is warm, attentive and loving to her at the Care Center. Susan Alexy visits almost daily and made her a picture book of Gail’s friends, her goats and our town. This act of kindness made Gail cry with joy and truly lifted her spirits. Susan also stepped up and became Gail’s power of attorney and her medical advocate. Through the photographs and Susie's visits, Gail has hope for a new future.

Gail wants to come home to her land, but she has no house. We want to build her a proper Tiny Home on Wheels. She like all of us deserve to have running water, a clean kitchen, a bed, a bathroom and shower. A new home would provide Gail with a new beginning. A safe fenced-in property to keep the pigs out and the goats in. Her very own safe shelter of a Tiny Home. We have a builder, Luke, who has begun to clear the property. Some of us are gathering materials, sinks, a stove, and cabinets. We intend to use repurposed materials in order to keep the costs at a minimum. All Contributions are welcome.

BREAK DOWN

Our goal is to raise $40,00 dollars.

$20,000 -$ 30,000 For trailer, materials and labor

$5,000 Fencing and Gates, labor

$5,000 Appliances, outdoor bath house, materials and labor

Any Questions or concerns about funding can be directed to Susan Alexy, [email redacted] Please send cards and letters to Gail Mackenzie at Life Care Center of Hilo, 944 W Kawailani St, Hilo, 96720 RM 204,, Visitors are welcome Please call first,, 808- 859 -9151 Ext 1363.. Thank you supporting a beloved member of our community.

Blessings, eileen hartwings