Rhonda's Final Wish: One Last Family Gathering

Ever since I was old enough to understand, I've known I was adopted. However, it wasn't until the digital era of 2015, that I was able to locate my birth mother, Rhonda, thanks to Facebook. Rhonda, having relished the Hawaiian sun for the past three decades, has always been a plane journey away from my home in California. Despite the miles, we have managed to squeeze in a few precious trips over the last few years to meet for the first time, connect and create lasting memories.

Pictured: Meeting my mother Rhonda for the first time in over 30 years since my birth - a moment immortalized in our favorite photo together.

Cancer Diagnosis

Fast forward to 2021, our world was shaken when Rhonda was diagnosed with stage IV cervical cancer. In an unfortunate turn of events, we initially believed that Rhonda had triumphed over cancer due to aggressive chemo and radiation treatments.

However, the disease soon returned, more relentless than before, rapidly spreading through her body. Her resilience and the impact of experimental treatments have extended her time far beyond the initial prognosis. Time, however, is now our most precious commodity, as Rhonda is transitioning into late-stage care before hospice.

Rhonda, an incredible friend, a pillar of strength, a devoted mother to her sons Tyler and Zach, and a loving grandmother to Haley, Alex, Cooper, Noah, Malia, and Zoey, has one simple wish - to welcome her grandchildren into her Hawaiian home. A chance for them to experience the stunning beauty of the islands and create joyful memories playing on its sandy beaches.

Family Reunion

As we face these trials, we've launched this GoFundMe campaign with a heartfelt hope - to fulfill Rhonda's dream by reuniting her with her grandchildren on the island she cherishes. Yet, the financial challenges of travel and accommodation are hurdles we're currently struggling to overcome alone. This is where we're humbly asking for your help.

Every dollar raised will bring us a step closer to our goal, covering the costs of flights, lodging, and essential expenses during our stay. Your generosity can help us bridge the distance between Rhonda and her grandchildren, offering moments of happiness and comfort during these difficult times.

We would deeply appreciate any contribution you can make. Every bit counts, no donation is too small. If you're unable to donate, sharing our campaign with others would also be a great help. We firmly believe in the power of collective goodwill to make a difference, and in this case, to bring a family together one last time.

Our intent isn't to fund leisurely beach activities or hula lessons. Our purpose is heartfelt; we want to offer Rhonda the joy of her loved ones' company. The smiles of her grandchildren playing on her beloved beach are more important to us than any vacation activities. This campaign is not about a holiday, it's a plea to help us say our final goodbyes.

Below, we've detailed how we plan to utilize the funds raised:

• Flights: The bulk of our costs are the round-trip flights from California to Hawaii for five. Estimated between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on the time of booking.

• Accommodation: We aim to stay in a family-friendly place for two weeks. As Rhonda’s apartment isn't large enough for all of us, we'll need to arrange for additional housing. We estimate this will cost between $1,400 and $4,200.

• Food and Essentials: We plan to cook most meals at home to keep costs down, yet groceries in Hawaii can be expensive. Including household essentials, we're budgeting around $1,400 for two weeks.

• Local Transportation: We plan to rent a vehicle for ease of movement, particularly for Rhonda's comfort. This will likely cost us around $500 for two weeks.

• Special Moments: We hope to create special memories