Rebel is one of eleven siblings. Family is her whole world. She has 2 daughters and one adorable preschool-aged son. She is a devoted mother as well as a doting wife, selflessly taking care of all her family’s needs including the needs of her partially disabled husband. In addition to being a fully committed mother and wife, she has also been a loyal member of the Goodleap family for the last 9 years. She has been an integral part of the underwriting team and her contributions here have been invaluable.

Rebel’s youngest daughter is currently in college and is an awarded athlete. While at school last December, she was tragically injured in a weightlifting accident when a large dumbbell fell on her neck, causing swelling in her brain and issues with her spinal cord. At the hospital she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, requiring surgery on her spine as well as surgery to remove part of her skull to relieve pressure on her brain. Surgery took place in January 2024 and although the road to recovery is long and painful, overall she is doing well and expected to make a full recovery in approximately 12-18 months.

On Valentine’s Day in 2024, while caring for her recovering daughter, Rebel received a call informing her that her husband had fallen while at work. At first he thought he was ok, but the following week proved otherwise. He was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Cervical Myelopathy and would be required to have surgery, or he would risk becoming a paraplegic. Ultimately, he had three surgeries in May 2024 to relieve the narrowing of his neck and spine. During one of the operations, it was also discovered that he had a recent heart attack. He is still in the ICU with no ETA for release and a very real concern that he may never walk again.

As of today, the family is going through tough times physically, emotionally, and financially. Rebel is still caring for her recovering daughter, a husband in critical condition, and a small son who doesn’t understand what is happening and just wants his daddy home. Rebel has always been the primary caretaker and financial provider for her family and due to all of these extreme medical emergencies she has not been able to continue to work. We can’t do much to relieve the emotional stress she is under, but we are hoping as her community we can help with relief financially. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated and will go directly to Rebel and her family to support them while she is unable to work. Additionally, please keep the Tu’inukuafe Family in your prayers each day. We will continue to provide updates as we get them. Thank you for your support!