
Colpas Recovery Fund
Donation protected
A code red swell had kept everyone busy in the sun last weekend. Unfortunately, it produced a painful sun blister on Rodrigo's lip. In the wee hour of 2 am on Tuesday, he was in pain, so he woke April up and asked her to check it out. She said one second let me use the restroom. He went downstairs to get some ointment. All of a sudden, he heard a loud thud. Out of nowhere, she fainted and fell flat on her face. Rodrigo immediately tried to wake her, and she was unresponsive with no pulse. In a panic, he yelled for Juliana to wake up and call 911! As soon as the operator came on, April came to. She was very disoriented. Rodrigo got her dressed, and they immediately drove to the ER. While assessing her for concussion and attending to the wounds on her face, she flatlined once again, and the nurses had to perform CPR. She came back to life for a second time that morning and immediately became an intensive critical care patient.
While being cared for at Maui Memorial Hospital, her heart rate would drop so low that every time she fell asleep that the nurses had to wake her up. They concluded a pacemaker was absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, there were no beds available at Kaiser on Oahu, so she had to wait here on Maui. Finally, Thursday evening, she was transferred via medivac to Oahu. After EKG, Echocardiogram and consultations with 3 specialized cardiologists, they concluded she has deadly heart pauses where her heart randomly stops for a significant period of time, making a pacemaker absolutely necessary. Friday evening, she had the successful pacemaker surgery and is now recovering.
We are asking for help with medical bills, utility & home bills, food, and unexpected expenses. Rodrigo and April will both be out of work for the initial recovery period of 3 weeks as April will have little to no use of her arm. For example, she's not supposed to drive or even lift a heavy purse during this period. April will still be out of work as her recovery will continue for another 3 months. She will slowly work her way to being able to lift grocery bags and run routine errands for her family of 5.
If you know April, this is going to be a difficult task. April, one who is always down for an adventure, making reef safe sunscreens and serving your favorite latte at Island Press Coffee. She is a bright, beautiful, wonderful human with an infectious smile. Always putting her family first and caring for others. Thank you for all your prayers and support during this difficult time. The Colpas family is in great gratitude for all the love!
Organizer and beneficiary
Michele Armstrong
Organizer
Lahaina, HI
Rodrigo Colpas
Beneficiary