Bring Verne Keliikoa Home Safely on Her Road to Recovery

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Bring Verne Keliikoa Home Safely on Her Road to Recovery

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Our Aunty Vernelle (Verne) Keliikoa of Reno, Nevada, needs your love and support. After a devastating accident on her anniversary cruise, Verne has been courageously fighting to recover, and now she needs our support as she begins the next chapter of her healing journey.

What Happened

In May 2025, Verne and Zachary set out on a long-awaited 38th Wedding Anniversary cruise to Alaska. On the very first morning, tragedy struck. Verne suffered a severe fall on the ship that resulted in a devastating C5 spinal cord injury. She was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, where her fight for recovery began.

Her Journey So Far

  • 7 weeks in Trauma ICU battling life-threatening complications.
  • 5 weeks in Rehabilitation learning exercises, adapting to new challenges, and preparing her family for her ongoing care needs.

Through it all, Verne has stayed positive, worked incredibly hard, and made inspiring progress under the excellent care of her doctors and hospital staff.

Where She Is Now

After 3 long months in the hospital, Verne is finally ready to return home to Reno. But her life looks very different now:
  • She has limited use of her legs, feet, arms, and right hand.
  • She cannot use her core muscles and is unable to sit up without help.
  • Doctors have said she may never walk again.

Verne will need specialized medical equipment, home modifications, and ongoing care to continue her recovery and adjust to her new life. The emotional, physical, and financial challenges ahead are immense.

How You Can Help

With grateful hearts, we are asking for your support. Every donation will go directly toward:
  • Medical equipment and supplies
  • Home care assistance
  • Rehabilitation and therapy needs
  • Creating a safe and supportive home environment

If you’re unable to give financially, please keep Aunty Verne in your thoughts and prayers as she continues this journey of healing.

From the bottom of our hearts — Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for your kindness, generosity, and love.

Organizer and beneficiary

Lianne Fontes
Organizer
Reno, NV
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