Disabled Athlete’s Boat Stolen
Donation protected
Thank you KHON 2 Hawaii news for your moving coverage of Kimo's plight.
http://khon2.com/2017/06/14/paralyzed-waterman-left-stranded-after-thieves-steal-strip-specially-designed-boat/
James Kimo Akaka had a stroke in 2011 that affected the complete left side of his body, his mobility, and speech. He spent one month in the hospital and two months in rehabilitation.
Regardless Kimo continues to live a very active and healthy lifestyle, he is a waterman and athlete, he races in paddling, cycling, and regularly does yoga. His tenacity is an inspiration to many athletes.
The water is where Kimo feels the happiest. He recently bought a boat to assist him in paddleboard races and while training. This boat was chosen because its soft sides offered easy access, Kimo's helper can grab him from the water and pull him in.
The boat was stolen about two weeks ago and Kimo was heartbroken and pretty depressed! Being on the water is what makes him happiest and somebody took that away. Today it was found floating in the ocean and completely stripped.
Kimo was never expecting such a tragedy and did not have insurance. The boat is salvageable but everything on it was gone, including the trailer, engine, bimini top, center console, EVERYTHING! For Kimo this boat is not a luxury, it is necessary for his well being and sanity. It is his connection to the thing he loves the most, the ocean.
** We recently changed our goal amount ... here's the update that was posted with the explanation of why **
"We reached our goal! Kimo is humbled, grateful, and so, so very appreciative. The initial goal of $20,000 covered the most basic costs of replacing the engine, center console, bimini, wiring, cables, gas tanks, and the list goes on. We never thought to dream Kimo could possibly also buy a new zodiac; one that is a little more accommodating to his special needs. But thanks to the aloha of friends (and friends Kimo has not yet met) that farfetched dream is not so farfetched anymore. Perhaps buying a boat and trailer package is more effective than trying to retrofit and make repairs to the old boat. However, that will take more money, we hesitate to increase our goal, we do not want to appear ungrateful, but we also want to dream big. Your generosity, kindness, and willingness to walk beside Kimo is inspiring and affirms my belief that people are good. You have fought the darkness with light and for that, I am eternally grateful."
Malama Pono
Please consider donating to help. Any little bit counts.
http://khon2.com/2017/06/14/paralyzed-waterman-left-stranded-after-thieves-steal-strip-specially-designed-boat/
James Kimo Akaka had a stroke in 2011 that affected the complete left side of his body, his mobility, and speech. He spent one month in the hospital and two months in rehabilitation.
Regardless Kimo continues to live a very active and healthy lifestyle, he is a waterman and athlete, he races in paddling, cycling, and regularly does yoga. His tenacity is an inspiration to many athletes.
The water is where Kimo feels the happiest. He recently bought a boat to assist him in paddleboard races and while training. This boat was chosen because its soft sides offered easy access, Kimo's helper can grab him from the water and pull him in.
The boat was stolen about two weeks ago and Kimo was heartbroken and pretty depressed! Being on the water is what makes him happiest and somebody took that away. Today it was found floating in the ocean and completely stripped.
Kimo was never expecting such a tragedy and did not have insurance. The boat is salvageable but everything on it was gone, including the trailer, engine, bimini top, center console, EVERYTHING! For Kimo this boat is not a luxury, it is necessary for his well being and sanity. It is his connection to the thing he loves the most, the ocean.
** We recently changed our goal amount ... here's the update that was posted with the explanation of why **
"We reached our goal! Kimo is humbled, grateful, and so, so very appreciative. The initial goal of $20,000 covered the most basic costs of replacing the engine, center console, bimini, wiring, cables, gas tanks, and the list goes on. We never thought to dream Kimo could possibly also buy a new zodiac; one that is a little more accommodating to his special needs. But thanks to the aloha of friends (and friends Kimo has not yet met) that farfetched dream is not so farfetched anymore. Perhaps buying a boat and trailer package is more effective than trying to retrofit and make repairs to the old boat. However, that will take more money, we hesitate to increase our goal, we do not want to appear ungrateful, but we also want to dream big. Your generosity, kindness, and willingness to walk beside Kimo is inspiring and affirms my belief that people are good. You have fought the darkness with light and for that, I am eternally grateful."
Malama Pono
Please consider donating to help. Any little bit counts.
Organizer and beneficiary
Laura Dolman Andrews
Organizer
Honolulu, HI
James Akaka
Beneficiary