Kathy Miller Nelson, my grandma and family matriarch, is a resilient survivor of the devastating flooding in Oahu, Hawaii. Just days ago, firefighters bravely rescued her on a paddleboard as rising waters swept through her community. While Kathy is deeply grateful to be alive, she lost nearly everything she owned—her home is still flooded with water and silt, and her car remains underwater and totaled. The only things she managed to save were the clothes she was wearing and her purse and wallet.

Kathy is 74 and the oldest cousin of the Miller family. On January 19, 2026, she and her brother Lance lost their brother Clint, and now, in the wake of this disaster, Kathy faces the unimaginable challenge of starting over. She was able to remain in Hawaii thanks to affordable rent in a historic cabin built for pineapple pickers, but that community has now been destroyed by the flooding and the failure of the dam. With no home to return to and affordable housing out of reach, Kathy may need to move to the mainland to be closer to family. As we all know, starting over is never easy—especially for a senior citizen who has lost everything.

In the spirit of kokua—the Hawaiian word for help and support—our family is rallying around Kathy, and we’re launching this GoFundMe to help her rebuild. Donations will help her relocate, replace essential items like clothing, toiletries, medications, and food, and support her as she navigates this difficult transition. Any support, big or small, will make a world of difference for Kathy as she works to find safety, comfort, and hope for the future.

To learn more about Kathy’s story and see her rescue featured in the news, please visit: https://www.kitv.com/news/forced-evacuations-as-water-rises-at-otake-camp/article_5f0a8d1d-8814-4e95-a64f-4276a714b06d.html

Thank you for standing with Kathy and our family during this challenging time.