HELP SUPPORT HILO WITH HIS FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

Aloha mai kākou

It is with a heavy heart and humbleness that we share this about our friend, Kimo. (James Keiter-Charles)

On July 5th, Kimo went with his wife Cece to North Hawaii Community Hospital with chest pain, though it was painful he wasn't thinking it was something too serious.  That would all change when the ER Doctor came back with the results.  Kimo was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and it had spread to his Liver.  It was unfathomable news!!!  The next week was very difficult because it was still unconfirmed until he got the final results from the Oncologist in O'ahu.  Sadly, the initial results were confirmed and he was diagnosed with STAGE 4 PANCREATIC CANCER and it's a RARE AGGRESSIVE SMALL CELL TYPE OF CANCER.  Time was of the essence to start chemotherapy ASAP and Kimo was blessed to start chemotherapy as soon as he did.  He does chemotherapy every 3 weeks and so far has done 2 rounds and will do another the last week of August.  He is physically strong and is dedicated to fighting this disease with everything he has!!!

Kimo Keiter-Charles is a devoted husband to Cece and they currently reside in their lovely home in Honoka'a on the Big Island of Hawai'i.  Kimo was the 3 sport (volleyball, basketball, track and field) star athlete at Hilo High School and played a key role when Hilo High won the 2000 State Basketball Title.  He would eventually go on to play basketball for the UH-Hilo Vulcans and was successful there also.  He absolutely loves the game and played with great tenacity and heart.  However, he was always humble and epitomized the meaning of ALOHA. 

After college, Kimo set out to help people while working in social services on the Big Island. This is a very selfless and unselfish job that takes a lot of dedication and mental strength to do.  He has worked in the public schools helping children with disabilities, adults who had psychiatric illnesses, and people who needed guidance.  However, in the past several years he has taken on a much greater responsibility while working for Child Protection Services here in Hawai'i County.  He has told me on several occasions that it's hard work but he loves it and truly feels he can make a difference in children's lives...and he has!!!  This local boy has the biggest heart, don't you think?  Kimo has dedicated his adult life to helping other people and now it's time that we help him and his family in this unexpected difficult trial in his life.

Currently, both Kimo and Cece are away from work and are dedicated to beating this disease!!!  They don't know how long this will take and are using their paid leave from their jobs to support them.  I humbly ask that we help support Kimo and Cece in this difficult period of their lives!!!  If not through monetary contributions....then through Aloha and Prayers!!!

Mahalo Nui Loa