My mother, Edwina Semetara, was a loving mother to me, Edward Semetara, and my brother, Edmund Semetara Jr., and a caring wife to my father, Edmund Semetara Sr. Born in the Philippines, she later migrated to Hawaii, where she built a life centered around her family. Growing up, she didn’t have the chance to pursue the education she wanted, so she worked from a young age to help support her loved ones. Her selflessness was always evident—she never complained about what she had and always put her family first. Her famous words were, “I don’t care just as long they’re happy.”

In 2022, my mom was diagnosed with kidney disease and began receiving dialysis treatment. Despite her health challenges, she remained strong and continued to care for those around her. Earlier this month, she had an accident at the dialysis center and broke her hip. She was sent to the Emergency Medical Center, and although her vitals were stable and she was scheduled for rehab, she suddenly passed away four days later. Her loss has left a deep void in our family.

This fundraiser will help cover her funeral costs and medical bills, easing the financial burden on our family as we navigate this difficult time. Friends and family, I want to take the time to say thank you for your help. I’m wishing I could make this happen for her, as she gave up so much for all of us. Any support you can offer means the world to our family as we honor her memory and legacy.