Phil and his Ohana

After meeting in high school, Phil and Desiree have been together for 44 years. Desiree suffered a stroke in 2000 and was confined to bed for almost two years. Shortly after recovering, she had pneumonia, which led to respiratory failure. Additionally, she began to have high blood pressure, for which she was given heavy medication. Her kidneys failed because of the toll the drugs had on them. Desiree is currently undergoing dialysis.

Although we live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, there are many challenges to living in Kauai, including a severe lack of medical facilities. Dialysis treatment is only provided by two hospitals in Kauai, one in Lihue and the other in Waimea. They have no choice but to travel to Waimea because there are no openings in Lihue. Three times a week, Phil has to take Desiree to her dialysis treatment; they must arrive at the hospital an hour early. Traveling to Waimea and back takes around 2 hours, and the treatment lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

Phil works at Plantation Hale as the front desk supervisor, and despite everything he is going through, he shows up to work with a smile and aloha to share. Phil is the most selfless person I have ever met; he has so much love to give, and it truly breaks my heart to watch him endure this pain. I don't want Phil to go through this alone, my name is Jasmin, and I'm hoping to raise $10,000 to help Phil cover expenses for his Ohana. Any amount that you can donate will help Phil and Desiree tremendously.

“Aloha is a value, one of unconditional love. Aloha is the outpouring and receiving of the spirit.”

Aloha Aku No, Aloha Mai No (I give my love to you, you give your love to me.)