Support Eric Keala Chun’s fight against ALS

Aloha and thank you for supporting our dear friend Eric “Chunzy” Chun! We have restarted our fundraising campaign with a new goal of raising an additional $30,000 for his fight against ALS. For those of you who are new to our efforts, here is a bit of background on his fight and specifically how your support is urgently needed. In 2018, Eric received the difficult news that he had been diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. It affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord that control the muscles, and as muscles get weaker, it gets harder to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. Medication and therapy can slow ALS and reduce discomfort, but there is no cure. In 2008, Eric's mom, the beloved Hawai'i artist Peggy Chun, lost her brave 6-year battle against ALS, the disease that had taken her maternal grandfather, mother and her twin sister, Bobbi. Fortunately, ALS treatment has progressed rapidly in the past few years, offering Eric and others with ALS new hope to manage symptoms and eventually cure this debilitating disease. Fortunately, Eric has a strong foundation to help him fight this battle. As a lifelong athlete and waterman, his body is tough. As an accomplished artist, his mind is sharp and creative. And as an incredibly loving human being who is embraced by so many, his spirit is strong! His optimism and courage shine through in his music, where when he could no longer strum his ukulele with his right hand he rigged a device that allowed him to strum with his toe, hence the birth of ...wait for it... TOE JAMZ! Currently, Eric is enrolled in a very promising, groundbreaking drug trial in San Diego called Valor, by Biogen. Thankfully, monthly treatments have significantly slowed the progression of Eric's symptoms, and the trial is supporting those costs. But much more support is needed. Your help is urgently needed to fund Eric's immediate health care needs and we hope to raise enough to support him for the next 12 months. At present, Eric's out of pocket expenses exceed $2,500/month, which include expensive monthly IV infusions and nebulized glutathione treatments. Also important to Eric's treatment is having a very specific and healthy diet, including supplements and protein drinks. While Meal Train efforts have been helpful, we hope to cover the costs of a dietitian who can prepare meals that meet Eric's specific nutritional needs. The most loving thing we can do for Eric is allow him to focus all of his energy on his health and wellbeing, and minimize any unnecessary stress. We appreciate any donation, large or small, to enable Eric to focus on being a wonderful dad to his daughter, Indy, and son, Sawyer, a loving partner to his dear Julia, a loyal son to his dad, Elroy, who has been a tireless advocate for ALS research, and of course, a dear friend to us all. Mahalo for your love and support!