UPDATE: 11/7 

Walter was accepted to the Craig Institute in Denver!! It is his absolute best chance of gaining as much of his independence back as possible, so please keep sharing this so we can get him there!! Mahalo!! 

11/5

This fundraiser was created on behalf of Aunty Noe and the Wong ʻOhana:

On October 26, 2025, our beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend Walter Wong Jr. of Laie, Hawai‘i suffered a tragic accident at home. He suffered a fall that caused a devastating spinal cord injury at C3, C4, and C5. He was medevac’d to The Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu, where he underwent emergency surgery to stabilize his spine with rods and pins.

Walter has been paralyzed from the chest down since the accident and is currently at Craig Rehab Hospital in Colorado. He had to undergo another surgery on 12/18 which completely redid and expanded upon the first surgery to further stabilize him. They fused his spine from C2 to T1, opened up his vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and he is now able to actually participate in rehab activities. Although his physical challenges are profound, his spirit, courage, and faith remain strong. His care team continues to monitor him closely as his ʻohana explores long-term care options, including specialized spinal cord therapy when they return home to the Big Island, an Adapted vehicle to transport him, home modifications that will accommodate his needs, and so much more.

Walter is a proud graduate of Kahuku High School class of ‘75 and a former member of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard. He has dedicated his life to teaching, mentoring, and sharing his knowledge of Hawaiian culture, architecture, and protocol. He is known for his humor, humility, and generosity, as well as his dedication to teaching indigenous architecture such as traditional hale building, rock wall craftsmanship, and Hawaiian values to the next generation. Whether working on community building projects, guiding cultural programs, or spending time with his ʻohana, Walter embodies aloha in all that he does.

Any donations received will go to the Wong ʻOhana to assist with the significant medical and financial expenses associated with Walter’s recovery. Your generosity will help provide ongoing hospital & rehabilitation care, specialized spinal cord therapy & necessary adaptive equipment, family travel and lodging as they support him through his out-of-state treatment as well as his long-term needs.

While Walter remains in a quadraplegic state currently, we are optimistic that his resilient spirit—along with the love, prayers, and support from his family, friends, and community—will carry him through this difficult time.

From the bottom of our hearts, mahalo nui loa for your kindness, prayers, and aloha. Every donation, share, and word of encouragement means the world to Walter and the entire Wong ʻOhana.