Aloha,

My name is Zoe, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my stepdad, Kaala Kawahakui, who was recently diagnosed with heart failure and Type 2 diabetes. This heartbreaking news has completely changed the course of our lives.

He’s always been the strongest, most dependable person in our family — the kind of man who works hard, puts family first, and never asks for anything in return. Now, he's fighting a life-threatening health battle that requires constant medical care, critical medications, and major lifestyle changes.

While his insurance does help cover some of the costs, it unfortunately does not come close to covering everything he truly needs — including frequent specialist visits, ongoing lab work, insulin and diabetes supplies, heart medications, and monitoring equipment. The added costs for transportation to appointments, emergency care, and necessary dietary changes are quickly becoming overwhelming.

On top of all this, our family is already navigating another serious medical crisis. My mom, Leilani, has been battling kidney failure and has to undergo dialysis three times a week. She has been unable to work due to her condition. And now, with my stepdad’s declining health, he can no longer work like he used to.

Together, they are trying to care for my younger brother, who’s entering his junior year of high school, and my stepsister, who’s starting her freshman year. With both parents unable to work full-time, the financial pressure is becoming impossible to manage on their own.

We are doing everything we can as a family, but we need help.

Your donation will go directly toward:

* Medical bills and specialist visits

* Insulin and diabetes management supplies

* Heart medications and monitoring equipment

* Transportation to and from appointments

* Specialized dietary needs

* Emergency treatments and home care support

* School-related needs for my younger siblings

If you’re able to donate — even a small amount — it would truly mean the world to us. And if you’re not able to give at this time, we kindly ask that you share this page with your friends, family, or community.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your kindness, compassion, and support will help relieve a huge burden — and most importantly, remind us that we’re not in this alone.

With love and gratitude, Zoe & Family