Aloha, my name is Sesimani Alone and I want to share the story of our beautiful son, Apisalome, a rambunctious and fun-loving boy who has brought endless joy to our family. We are from Honolulu, Hawaii, and our lives, like so many others, have been filled with laughter, love, and the everyday moments that make a family strong.
Life has always been busy, but it's the kind of busy we cherish. We have five healthy kids, and with another baby on the way, our hearts have always been full. But recently, our world was turned upside down.
It started like any other day. Apisalome, full of life as usual, playing and running around, until he suddenly became ill. What seemed like a common fever quickly turned into something far more serious. After several doctor visits and tests, we learned that Apisalome had been diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Unbeknownst to us, the bacteria from the infection had already spread silently through his body, and the doctors discovered a massive bacterial infection in his heart.
The news was a crushing blow. Apisalome, who has always been the loudest and most spirited in the room, was now facing a fight for his life. The doctors informed us that the only way to save him was through an open-heart surgery, and suddenly, our lives became a whirlwind of uncertainty and fear.
We were transferred from Kapiolani Children’s Hospital in Honolulu to Stanford Pediatric Hospital in Palo Alto, California, where Apisalome would undergo his surgery and begin his long journey to recovery. As a mother, it’s hard to put into words the overwhelming emotions I feel. This isn’t how we imagined life with our little ones—facing something so serious, so heavy.
What many may not know about Apisalome is that he is the heart and soul of our family. His laughter, his loud presence, and his love for everyone around him are what make him special. Whether he’s causing a little chaos or helping his siblings, he always shows up with a smile and an open heart. He may be the life of the party, but when it comes to family, he’s the first one to step up, to give hugs, and to make sure everyone feels loved.
As parents, this journey has been emotionally and financially challenging. My husband is currently working part time, and with the added costs of traveling, staying in California for the surgery, and ensuring that our other children are cared for, we find ourselves in a difficult situation. The financial strain has been overwhelming, and it's hard to focus on anything but getting Apisalome the care he needs while also trying to hold our family together.
We are reaching out for help, not just for ourselves, but for our son who has always shown so much heart and kindness to everyone around him. Your support, whether big or small, would make a world of difference during this difficult time.
We know this journey will be long and challenging, but we also know that with the strength of our community, the love of our family, and the grace of God, we will get through it. Apisalome’s spirit is unbreakable, and with the help of people who care, we believe he will heal and come back stronger than ever.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Every prayer, every donation, and every gesture of kindness means more to us than words can express. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this uncertain path ahead. We are forever grateful for your love and support.
With heartfelt thanks,
Apisalome and the Alone Family