Aloha Friends, I wanted to share some news about my situation and my plans for 2025.

As you know, I returned to Maui after spending some time in Thailand in 2023, and many of you supported me as I needed housing, furniture, a car, etc. Since then, I bought a car and was able to work doing what I love - being around plants and gardens and helping them thrive.

Sadly, I've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and I had to stop working as it became too much for me. My mounting healthcare costs have made living in Maui unaffordable on my social security check alone. My sister and her daughter back home in Massachusetts have been lobbying for me to return home where they will help me as I navigate my future healthcare needs and try to better manage my expenses. I am sad about leaving Maui, but I know it's the right thing to do.

I'm asking you again to please open your hearts and help me with my financial needs as I prepare for my trip home later this spring. My current financial needs are $320 in monthly car and insurance payments while I'm in Maui for the next few months, as well as $12,000 for airfare and start-up expenses in Massachusetts.