We wanted to take the opportunity to tell a short story about a beautiful and giving couple that has never lost their positive spirit despite Ayako being diagnosed with cancer.

I met Ayako and Eric during a baby shower shortly after my arrival in Hawaii. The two welcomed me with a big smile and an open heart despite me being the new guy. I left that day with an invite to play basketball and an admiration for a very nice couple.

Shortly thereafter I learned that Ayako has been hit with a serious illness in her family and she is spending most of her free time caring for those affected. Not only did she put others over herself she did this while facing a serious medical condition of her own - Ayako was diagnosed with cancer.

Most people would not be able to push forward with either of these diagnoses but not Ayako and Eric. When I met them the next time they again had a large smile on their face and did not forget about the basketball invite.

Time passed and Ayako had to go through medical treatments and when my wife and I invited the two for our wedding we had no expectation of the them joining. But here they were, beautiful and shining. Not only did the two attend the wedding but they also gave us a very gracious gift.

In that moment my wife and I said this is enough, this is not fair, those two have every right to focus their time and resources on themselves but here they are supporting our future. This is not a status we can support and we wanted to make sure to give back.

As such, dear family and friends, we would like to ask you to support us in providing prayers, donating vacation days or, if you have the means, join us in providing a little donation.

Let's make sure these beautiful people maintain their amazing spirit.

Mahalo!