Medical & Funeral expenses

On Tuesday, July 12th, my dearest Yai Yai (Thai for grandma) suffered a major heart attack; unfortunately all of the early interventions and hard work by the doctors were unsuccessful and she passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 17th surrounded by her family and friends. If you know my ohana at all, you know that my grandmother was the backbone of our family. I'm happy that she was able to have spent this last year with my uncle Kalani in the home that she shared with my Papa. She helped my mom raise me, and prior to this last year in Hawaii, she lived with my mom Kanani and bonus dad Nic, helping with my 8 y.o. bonus sister Olivia, 2 y.o. sister Kaleolani, and 5-month old brother Jackson. Even after leaving for Hawaii, she would spend hours Facetiming with us; so much so that it almost seemed like she was actually with us. My mom was actually Facetiming with her when she collapsed.

As you can imagine, this has been a huge hit to our family. Mostly emotionally, but also financially. As Hawaii Hospitals still has very strict Covid protocols in place, my mom chose to not fly home, instead trying to juggle everything to the best of her abilities from afar. Our family is now faced with costs for outstanding medical expenses, cremation, as well as services in Hawaii, and here in Washington where she lived and worked at Overlake Hospital for nearly 20 years.

Many have asked how they can help, and this is how. Lifting the financial burden from my mom, my uncle and her family would be the greatest help you could offer, and would allow for us to focus on grieving and healing. We appreciate the prayers, phone calls, and little ways that you have reached out during this past week. And if you aren’t able to donate, please consider sharing with your Facebook friends. Mahalo.

Kaily bear