Ryu's Fearless Fight
Donation protected
We are raising money for Ryu's family from Big Island, Hi.
Ryu was born in Japan and at the age of 3, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disability (a fancy way to explain this is that he was on the Autism spectrum) and Ryu was also non-verbal. Ryu's Mom, Leah picked him up again and moved to San Francisco due to the lack of resources for children like him in Japan. At the age of 17, Ryu became epileptic and at the age of 20, they decided to move to Hawaii to provide more joy for Ryu. He loved his life in Hawaii and attended the special education program at Waiakea High School as was loved dearly by all who he met. People at the mall, fair and school knew who he was and would say hello. Unfortunately, Ryu lost his battle on July 14th at the age of 24.
Ryu's Mom, his brother Tetsu and his Aunty Jody Kauhi were his caretakers who did an excellent job of taking care of him 24 hours per day. Their entire life revolved around Ryu and only Ryu. Due to COVID, Ryu's Mom, Leah, and his brother Tetsu lost all of their income. Leah survived off of county and craft fairs and his brother, Tetsu worked on campus at a school. They were only living off Ryu’s SSI and the money that they got from the state was getting them by, but that all ended the day Ryu passed and they still have the expense of a funeral, etc.
It's not the best time to ask for support as we are all going through our own challenges, but any amount at all will help!
Here's a note from his wonderful Mama:
Today my heart shattered into a million pieces when I lost my beloved firstborn son, Dylan Ryuichi Dang Hatano. He fought a good fight, and left to join his Kupuna bathed in the light of love. Not just the love of his ohana, but in the love of countless others, many of whom never met him. He was so loved by so many. From Alaska to California, Illinois, Georgia, New York, and back to Hawaii, he was everybody’s, Mighty Ryu. It felt like the world rooted for him through every adventure, down to the last breath.
I learned this week that most kids like Ryu suffer a catastrophic brain event between the ages of 16-18. Ryu had his first seizure at 17 and fought to stay with us until he was 24. I will be eternally grateful to have been so blessed. Along with his Mama Aunty Jodi, we tried to give him the best life that we could, doing things he loved. Trips to Disneyland, countless days at the beach, long car rides, and all the foods he wanted to eat. From being the only underaged (shhhhhh) guest allowed to sit at the bar at Diva’s, to putting on a tux to go to a prom and shots on New Year’s Eve, our boy enjoyed it all. In his honor, there were parties and barbeques and family gatherings, and he loved it all. He stood on the Hōkūleʻa and protested the TMT. He served the homeless at Tenderloin Tessie’s on holidays and filled food distribution boxes for families in need in Hilo. He loved his church family and his role as honorary deacon, always keeping an eye on the collection basket. We think he lived a good life, and I hope he thinks so too. From my son, I learned how to love unconditionally and enjoy the moments we have. Jodi, Tetsu and I are so very appreciative of all the Aloha that has been directed our way. We love you all...and so does The Mighty Ryu.
Ryu was born in Japan and at the age of 3, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disability (a fancy way to explain this is that he was on the Autism spectrum) and Ryu was also non-verbal. Ryu's Mom, Leah picked him up again and moved to San Francisco due to the lack of resources for children like him in Japan. At the age of 17, Ryu became epileptic and at the age of 20, they decided to move to Hawaii to provide more joy for Ryu. He loved his life in Hawaii and attended the special education program at Waiakea High School as was loved dearly by all who he met. People at the mall, fair and school knew who he was and would say hello. Unfortunately, Ryu lost his battle on July 14th at the age of 24.
Ryu's Mom, his brother Tetsu and his Aunty Jody Kauhi were his caretakers who did an excellent job of taking care of him 24 hours per day. Their entire life revolved around Ryu and only Ryu. Due to COVID, Ryu's Mom, Leah, and his brother Tetsu lost all of their income. Leah survived off of county and craft fairs and his brother, Tetsu worked on campus at a school. They were only living off Ryu’s SSI and the money that they got from the state was getting them by, but that all ended the day Ryu passed and they still have the expense of a funeral, etc.
It's not the best time to ask for support as we are all going through our own challenges, but any amount at all will help!
Here's a note from his wonderful Mama:
Today my heart shattered into a million pieces when I lost my beloved firstborn son, Dylan Ryuichi Dang Hatano. He fought a good fight, and left to join his Kupuna bathed in the light of love. Not just the love of his ohana, but in the love of countless others, many of whom never met him. He was so loved by so many. From Alaska to California, Illinois, Georgia, New York, and back to Hawaii, he was everybody’s, Mighty Ryu. It felt like the world rooted for him through every adventure, down to the last breath.
I learned this week that most kids like Ryu suffer a catastrophic brain event between the ages of 16-18. Ryu had his first seizure at 17 and fought to stay with us until he was 24. I will be eternally grateful to have been so blessed. Along with his Mama Aunty Jodi, we tried to give him the best life that we could, doing things he loved. Trips to Disneyland, countless days at the beach, long car rides, and all the foods he wanted to eat. From being the only underaged (shhhhhh) guest allowed to sit at the bar at Diva’s, to putting on a tux to go to a prom and shots on New Year’s Eve, our boy enjoyed it all. In his honor, there were parties and barbeques and family gatherings, and he loved it all. He stood on the Hōkūleʻa and protested the TMT. He served the homeless at Tenderloin Tessie’s on holidays and filled food distribution boxes for families in need in Hilo. He loved his church family and his role as honorary deacon, always keeping an eye on the collection basket. We think he lived a good life, and I hope he thinks so too. From my son, I learned how to love unconditionally and enjoy the moments we have. Jodi, Tetsu and I are so very appreciative of all the Aloha that has been directed our way. We love you all...and so does The Mighty Ryu.
Organizer and beneficiary
Krista Kupau
Organizer
Hilo, HI
Lucas Hatano
Beneficiary