Last month, we learned that our brother, Tou, was diagnosed with cancer. We are devastated. Anyone who knows him, or has ever met him, knows that he has the best heart. He is the most loving father to his 5-year-old son, Malakai, he’s an avid hunter and fisherman, and a talented cook.

Following intense abdominal pain, Tou went to the ER on October 19th, 2022. Test results showed signs of cancer, and a referral to an Oncologist was made that night. The next morning, on October 20th, his Oncologist confirmed that he had Stage 4 Colon Cancer. We learned that Stage 4 is the last and most serious stage of Colon Cancer, and at the time of his diagnosis, it was discovered that his cancer had already spread to his liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. We immediately Google-searched the medical terms, read the details, and asked around. Some of us prayed. Some investigated; for a true herbal treatment, if any. Some stayed silent, waiting. Text messages were sent, and phone calls made. In-person visits happened, and meals were shared. We were heartbroken.

Tou immediately started his treatment plan and will be doing chemo once every two weeks, expected to last 6-months with several intermittent rounds. Tou is a fighter, and we are hopeful for remission. However, we know that he has just entered the woods and has a long journey ahead of him. Tou and his wife, Ah, will face the mounting pressure of financial issues for his current and future treatments, and if you know Tou, you also know that he will never ask for help. So, we’re doing what any family would do. We’re doing all that we can to support them, and we're hoping to fundraise to fill in any gaps that will certainly happen during the next few months.

We will occasionally be selling Sesame Balls with Taro and Coconut Filling, and Pork Steam Rolls. 100% of all proceeds will go to support Tou and his family. If you would like to place an order, please see our dates/locations here: https://www.hopefortou.com/

Whether it be through making a purchase, or a monetary donation, we hope that you will support our efforts in helping Tou, Ah and Malakai overcome this incredibly challenging time in their lives. If you aren’t able to make a donation, please consider sharing and keeping our family in your prayers as we rally around Tou to help him fight colon cancer.

At times like this, an old poem comes to mind; "Do not go gentle into that good night.....Rage, rage against the dying of the light." - Dylan Thomas

In Love and Good Health,

-Team Tou

www.hopefortou.com

Update: February 23, 2024

We celebrated my son's 7th birthday a few weeks ago, and his wish was for his daddy to get better. I hugged him tightly and told him how much I loved him. If I could make everything better, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

After a year-long battle with colon cancer, my husband Tou received the devastating news that chemotherapy was no longer effective in treating his cancer. After 31 rounds of chemotherapy, his oncologist has recommended hospice. It is estimated that his prognosis is days to a few weeks. Tou has made the difficult decision to go on hospice for the remainder of his time. He has decided on hospice care at home where he is more comfortable and can be with family.

I want to thank all of our friends and family for your continued support; for taking the time to visit us, for your generous donation of groceries and household supplies, and for those who weren't able to visit but kept us in your thoughts and prayers. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my husband's oncologist, Dr. Steven M. Bettag and his team for their commitment and dedication to improving our lives and the lives of many others. You and your team have been absolutely amazing.

Today, on my birthday, I am asking for your prayers, for anyone with healing powers to heal my husband and our little family. I am praying for a miracle so that my son will continue to have someone he can call DADDY.