Help BJ Ellis with his cancer battle

Posting on behalf of the Satta-Ellis 'Ohana -

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Love and aloha everyone,

We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering love, support, and prayers you’ve showered upon our family at the onset of this challenging journey. Your kindness has been a beacon of hope and strength for us, and we are deeply thankful for each and every one of you.

However, we also have some difficult news to share. After a little over three years of being in remission, Dad’s cancer has unfortunately returned. It’s a tough blow for all of us, but we are determined to face it with the same resilience and positivity that has carried us through during the initial diagnosis, which came at the height of the pandemic.

The next steps now involve procedures to analyze the situation and determine the best course of action. Unfortunately, the costs associated with these procedures are significant, with estimates in the thousands of dollars. Additionally, our insurance will require us to pay a hefty percentage upfront, adding to the financial strain.

In addition to Dad’s ongoing battle with cancer, we want to share a bit more about our family’s current situation. We are a one-income family, with Mom working tirelessly at Konawaena High School. She goes above and beyond her duties, often volunteering her time beyond what’s expected and after school hours. Her dedication to both her job and our family is truly remarkable.

Dad, despite his health challenges, is still trying to work as a substitute teacher. His giving nature and caring personality make it hard for him to stop doing what he loves—helping others. His perseverance is a testament to his character, even as he faces such a tough battle. We want him to be able to stay home and rest.

We also have two middle sons who are attending college, which adds another layer of financial responsibility. We are determined to support them in their educational pursuits and don’t want them to bear the burden of financial strain or consider giving up on their dreams due to these challenges.

On top of that, our youngest brother is trying to enjoy his senior year of high school, a milestone year that comes with its own set of expenses. From senior photos, cap and gown, dances, homecoming, sports, entrance exams, to application fees, senior year is incredibly costly. This financial strain makes it difficult for us to support him through this memorable and important year.

With Dad’s health issues and the financial implications of his treatment, our family is facing a difficult balancing act. Your support not only helps with Dad’s medical expenses but also alleviates some of the financial pressure on Mom and ensures that our brothers can continue their education without sacrificing their dreams.

We are immensely grateful for your continued support, prayers, and kindness during this trying time. Thank you for standing by us as we navigate these challenges together.

In times like these, we are once again humbly turning to our supporters for help. Your generosity has been a lifeline for us before, and we are hopeful that with your continued support, we can navigate this latest challenge with strength and grace.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in Dad’s fight against cancer. Your prayers, positive thoughts, and acts of kindness mean the world to us, and we are eternally grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for standing by us during these difficult times.

With love and appreciation,

’Ohana Satta-Ellis

Jaylor, Trajan, Ro'o, Hiwa, Molly, and BJ