Help Us Rebuild a Hawaii Love Story

Born & raised in Hawaii, Lee and Shirlynn were junior high school classmates.  They went separate ways and, over three decades each found their calling - Lee owned and operated a busy auto body and repair shop in Pearl City, Hawaii, and Shirlynn became a beloved teacher of special needs children.  
     Fate brought them full circle and they became newlyweds this year on January 25, 2020.  As I took photos for them at their family wedding reception, their deep love and happiness was palpable - I've never seen two people so in love, working together in the auto shop and living blissfully together on the property.  
     Then, I got the terrible news on December 5th at 9pm.  The headline read, "3 injured,  1 critically in Pearl City warehouse fire". Both of our lovebirds ended up admitted to the Straub ICU burn unit, sedated with breathing tubes down their throats to fight the internal thermal burns and black soot due to hot smoke inhalation.  
They had lost in a few, tragic moments, Lee's workplace of 28 years, their home and health.    
     I remember Shirlynn sobbing hysterically through her hoarse voice in the E.R. when explaining the burns on  both of Lee's arms, "he came and pulled me out!"  Such words were no surprise to me, as I know he would, and almost did, give his life for her.  Shirlynn had already fought through two extreme back surgeries to repair her spine but rose out of those ashes to become a favorite children's teacher.  Lee is as much an artist as a mechanic and both share a love for life and for each other that is rarely seen in this day and age.
     Miraculously, and a testament to Lee and Shirlynn's strength and loving support for each other, both will survive to love and serve Hawaii's community again.  I have never created a GoFundMe page before, but this selfless couple now needs help to rebuild the idyllic life and environment they once had.  
      Weeks of costly intensive care and hospital bills for two, a devastating fire which wrecked both home and workplace, will be a challenge to their recovery.  With prayers and  our help, it is my fervent hope that these lovebirds will once again have a home and workplace in which to thrive. *
     Please note that this humble couple was hesitant to open this fundraiser - they also could not talk while intubated.   I prevailed -  though their pride is great, their needs are greater.  Thank you for reading and sharing Lee and Shirlynn's story of victory, tragedy, and, with your help, victory again.  

Warmest aloha and blessings on all,

Dr. Wes Young
Family physician and friend to Lee and Shirlynn

*The family remains ever grateful for the 14 units and  50+ firefighting and paramedic personnel who risked their own lives and saved them,  including the family bulldog.  If we are able to fund this GoFundMe project, this family also wants to do something special for the additional frontline heroes in the intensive care unit, emergency department, wards, and rehab facilities.