My name is Gemaima, and I am starting this fundraiser for my family in Na’alehu on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hurricane Lala has turned our lives upside down. My household includes my mom, my stepdad, my two younger brothers, my younger sister, and our pets, two cats and a dog. Right now, we are living without running water, electricity, refrigerators, or internet, which has made even the most basic daily needs incredibly difficult. Our road to Green Sands has been completely destroyed, leaving us feeling even more cut off. My mom worked at Punalu’u Bakery, and my stepdad worked at Hana Hou, but both of their workplaces were destroyed, so they are now out of work for the foreseeable future. On top of that, the kids have not been able to attend school, and the playground and basketball courts were damaged too.

This storm has affected so much more than our home. Our whole area is grieving, with loved ones lost and others still missing. The cemetery was also washed away, with coffins opened and bodies exposed, which shows how devastating and traumatic this disaster has been for everyone here. We know there are many families suffering across the Ka’ū district, and we want to help spread awareness of how serious the situation is for our community. Any support will help us buy food, water, and pet food, cover urgent repairs, pay for gas and propane for our generator, get to doctor visits, keep up with house payments, and get through this time while my mom and stepdad have no income.

This fundraiser will not only help my family, but also people in our community who are struggling. My stepdad has been helping with mud and rock cleanup, and my mom has been making and donating hot food to people in need. Part of the support we receive will also go toward helping others we know who have been hit hard by this disaster. We are deeply grateful for any help, no matter the size. If you are able to give, share, or keep our family and community in your thoughts, it would mean so much to us.