Support Dominic Yagong's Stroke Recovery

Aloha friends and family,

This message comes to you from the Yagong ohana. We would like to thank you all for your prayers and support in this difficult time. As many of you already know, my father Dominic Yagong has recently suffered a stroke. He will be starting physical, occupational, and speech therapy very soon. We are unbelievably grateful for God’s grace as we progress through his recovery. While he is making great strides in the process, this entire experience will be a major lifestyle change for our entire family.

My father has always been a community man. You may know him from his time serving as Chairman of the Hawaii County Council, and his 12 years representing the district of Hamakua (1). During his time on the council he was dubbed ‘the tax-payers guard dog’. I know my father was particularly proud of this because he cared so deeply about protecting and accurately representing the people of his community. Perhaps you know him as President of the Honokaa Elementary Association, or his 30 years serving as “the voice of the Honokaa dragons”. My dad has always had a deep love for his hometown and has announced nearly every sporting event for the last three decades for no charge at all. He is passionate about serving others, in fact from the hospital, on the same day he was admitted, he was still trying with all his might to continue his responsibilities as chairman of the 135 year celebration of his beloved alumni Honokaa High. Thankfully members of the community rose up and supported the weight of the many responsibilities he took on to make this event possible.

My dad has always put his family and his community before his own needs, and he has touched countless lives. He is an excellent father, and a lifelong friend of many.

He is very prideful and when told about this effort he rejected it tearfully. “I never asked anybody for help” he cried. For which we responded, “Precisely, and now is the time to allow the people an opportunity to return the kindness that you shared your entire life.” Sorry Dad, you were outvoted by your children and grandchildren 6-1. You always taught us that majority rules.

Now comes the greatest challenge, something no one in our ohana was prepared for; recovery. We would be eternally grateful to those who are able to share their time, prayers, or if possible donations.

All funds collected will go towards medical expenses like physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as the renovation of our family home to accommodate a more comfortable adjustment to this new lifestyle (ramp, bathroom and shower seat). You never plan for not being able to climb stairs. Because of his stroke, Dom will not be able to return to work until further notice, and any contributions to help support us through this difficult time would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We are so grateful for all of the love and support.