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If you know Jun (Lawrence Fong Jr.), you know he’s the kind of person who never asks for help, even when he needs it most.
He’s also the first to lend a hand, fix what’s broken, make you laugh, and usually all at the same time. But now, it’s our turn to show up for him.
What Happened
In late 2024, Jun began experiencing weakness in his left leg. It got so bad he couldn’t walk, put on shoes, or even sit without discomfort. After months of decline, and a series of unsuccessful medical exams, an MRI scan finally revealed the cause: a brain tumor. The tumor was compressing the area of his brain responsible for controlling movement on the left side of his body.
Everything happened quickly. Jun met with the neurosurgeon at Queen’s Medical Center to schedule surgery, but his condition worsened rapidly. As paralysis spread to the entire left side of his body, doctors made the urgent decision to expedite the operation.
In January, Jun underwent craniotomy surgery, a risky procedure to remove the tumor. He told no one. Out of fear, but mostly out of love.
He made it through. The tumor was benign, and for the first time in months, Jun began to feel his leg again.
The Road Back
After surgery and a week of inpatient rehab, Jun returned to Hilo and, finally, called his closest friends to share what he’d been through. We cried. We laughed. Mostly, we were just grateful to still have him with us.
He took his first post-surgery steps in February 2025.
And like the Jun we know, he immediately started dreaming again. Dreaming of surfing, returning to the lo’i in Waipio, and building a new path forward.
Since then, he’s poured himself into recovery, determined to heal and rebuild his life. But it hasn’t been easy.
- Jun has been on unpaid leave from United Airlines for over a year and still doesn’t know if returning to work will be possible due to the physical requirements.
- He’s had to cut back on professional physical therapy due to high costs.
- Jun tried to surf again before his body was ready and had a close call. It was a tough moment, but he’s still determined to get back in the water, he just needs more time, therapy, and support to get there safely.
- Recent scans show that the tumor is growing again, and Jun is preparing to begin radiation treatments in the coming weeks.
He won’t tell you this, but he’s still carrying the weight of his bills and his uncertainty.
Why We’re Fundraising
This GoFundMe isn’t just about covering Jun’s physical therapy or his remaining and upcoming medical expenses. It’s about giving him breathing room, stability, and a foundation for his next chapter, whatever he decides it’ll be.
Jun is a builder, a learner, and a doer. Whether it's surfing, fixing an engine, or growing food from the land, he excels at everything he sets his mind to. We believe in him. We know you do too.
He would never ask for this and so we’re asking for him. He’s already come so far, but with the right support, we believe he can go even further. Let’s give him the boost he needs to keep moving forward.
Vinaka levu and mahalo nui loa for reading and for being part of this effort. We’re all looking forward to the day we see Jun paddling out again, stronger, smiling, and ready to catch his next wave.
Anything you’re able to give is truly appreciated, and if you can’t donate, sharing this with others who know Jun means just as much.
Any words of encouragement, stories, or messages of support will be passed along to Jun alongside the funds. His brother, Kaulana (Greg), will be managing the donations and making sure everything gets safely and thoughtfully delivered to him.
