I, Sandi Rabaca, Neal’s daughter, am sharing this story on his behalf with his permission.
Neal was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia in July 2025. Since then, he has been traveling between Lanai and Oahu for chemotherapy treatments. While he is currently in remission, a genetic mutation puts him at a higher risk of developing the same type of cancer again at any time. The chemotherapy, while effective, has also damaged his bone marrow, making it difficult for his body to regenerate cells. Now, Neal is preparing for a bone marrow transplant at Stanford Medical Center in California. A matching donor has been found, and he will be hospitalized for one to two months, with the possibility of needing to stay in California for up to a year, depending on how his body responds to the transplant.
The journey has placed a significant financial strain on our family. Traveling between islands and the continent, purchasing medications, healthcare supplies, and special foods have all added up. These funds will help cover Neal’s housing, food, and medical expenses while he is in California, easing some of the stress and worry that comes with such a challenging time.
My family will truly appreciate your help getting my father Neal over the finish line. He is not one to ask for help from anyone, and this would truly be the most blessed gift. All he wants is to come back home and continue serving his community. Your support, whether through donations or sharing this fundraiser, means the world to us.
Neal was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia in July 2025. Since then, he has been traveling between Lanai and Oahu for chemotherapy treatments. While he is currently in remission, a genetic mutation puts him at a higher risk of developing the same type of cancer again at any time. The chemotherapy, while effective, has also damaged his bone marrow, making it difficult for his body to regenerate cells. Now, Neal is preparing for a bone marrow transplant at Stanford Medical Center in California. A matching donor has been found, and he will be hospitalized for one to two months, with the possibility of needing to stay in California for up to a year, depending on how his body responds to the transplant.
The journey has placed a significant financial strain on our family. Traveling between islands and the continent, purchasing medications, healthcare supplies, and special foods have all added up. These funds will help cover Neal’s housing, food, and medical expenses while he is in California, easing some of the stress and worry that comes with such a challenging time.
My family will truly appreciate your help getting my father Neal over the finish line. He is not one to ask for help from anyone, and this would truly be the most blessed gift. All he wants is to come back home and continue serving his community. Your support, whether through donations or sharing this fundraiser, means the world to us.