Aloha From Our House to Yours www.RonaldHouseHawaii.org Newsletter of Ronald McDonald House Charities® Issue 1, February 2020

Sharing Helps the Healing Process

Family has always been central for better. Her health deteriorated and health in serious jeopardy. Now, more the Semeatu‐Luaifoas. A close knit and blood counts dropped, and last August, than ever, Ralph and Seuga needed to loving family from American Samoa, the family was told that Nina had acute rally around their family and harness their extended layers range from a lymphoblastic leukemia. Even more coping skills to care for two children two‐year‐old toddler and little ones in devastating, there was no treatment needing specialized care. Fortunately, grammar school, to an active middle available for her at the hospital in Nicholas’ disease is in the moderate schooler, and their first born—the first American Samoa. to attend college at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. For Ralph and Ralph and Seuga knew Nina needed Seuga Semeatu‐Luaifoa, their cup was specialized medical care very quickly. overflowing with blessings. They both left their jobs, and entrusted their home and other children to Nothing could have prepared them family members. They sold their car to for the double crisis their family would pay for airfare and took the first go through, or the tremendous available flight to . After amount of strength they would find landing at the airport, suitcases in tow, through the love and encouragement they went directly to Kapiolani of so many others supporting them Hospital. Nina was admitted and through their difficult journey. treatment started immediately. Life is still very uncertain for Nina and her family. She will need more Nina playing with her sister Natalie than two years of treatment, stage and surgery can be avoided with chemotherapy, possible surgeries and medication, healthy eating, good other medical protocols. She needs to lifestyle habits, and access to quality remain in Hawaii. But most of all, she health care. needs her family. Her parents and siblings, people who love and embrace As for Nina, she gets chemotherapy her, providing comfort and security, treatments and IV’s weekly and a hope and joy. spinal tap every two weeks. She carries her treatment in a Ralph lights up, remembering when Chemotherapy Infuser bag that looks they found out the Ronald McDonald like a backpack when not at the House would be their home while Nina hospital and takes maintenance was going through treatment. It medicines every weekend. But she meant that her siblings – who she doesn’t even notice it anymore. missed dearly and cried for – could join The Semeatu‐Luaifoas them. Nathaniel and Natalie came in Initially, Nina was confined to bed rest when she wasn’t in the hospital. Last summer, the children were November, and the family celebrated the holidays together. Thirteen‐year‐ Now, she wants to play with her healthy and happy, and all seemed siblings and new friends at the House, well. Ralph worked at the American old Nicholas would come later, after finishing the school semester. whenever she can. “She loves every Samoa Power Authority and Seuga was room, and everything at the house,” an accountant. Grandparents and But, just as Nicholas was about to fly Seuga said. “We love seeing her so family helped with the younger ones, to Oahu, he was diagnosed with a happy and just enjoying every day, just and life was good. But little Nina, their serious heart condition. He had been like any other child.” youngest, had a constant cold, sore experiencing knee and leg pain, a sore throat, and fever that just wouldn’t go throat, and a constant fever. Further In the meantime, Seuga got a job as away. She was eventually diagnosed tests diagnosed Nicholas with an accountant for a local company, with dengue fever, spent time in and rheumatic fever and leakage in his while Ralph became a “stay‐at‐home” out of the hospital, but still didn’t get heart’s left arterial vein, putting his continued on page 2 open and operating, and thanks to a Message from our President wonderful and generous partnership with the Aqua Ohia Hotel in , Aloha, treated by pediatric surgeons and families in need of our services will still Happy New Year! specialists, and being cared for by their be lodged and taken care of during At the Ronald parents. their child’s medical emergency. McDonald House, we Both houses went “green”, with Family suites at the hotel, along with are grateful for all energy efficient appliances, lighting, daily support services, transportation, the community’s heating, and cooling, realizing 50‐75% and supply bins filled with groceries support. Your caring overall energy savings, while providing and other household goods will be and generous a much more comfortable environment provided by RMHC to the families. Jerri Chong donations of time for our families. And we launched a I find it both exhilarating and and money enable our cornerstone capital campaign to fund much needed humbling to report that, last year, program to continue and welcome repairs and expansion plans to create a volunteers gave of themselves in families in desperate need of support family recreation area at Judd Hillside, unprecedented ways and numbers, during their child’s illness. Mahalo to all a two‐story, multi‐use space where and that more individuals and of you whose hearts have gone out to children, teens, parents, and multiple businesses came forward to support our charity and helped make Ronald families can gather and support each our cause financially than ever before! McDonald House the “home away other during a child’s recovery. We are hopeful and optimistic that the from home” that it is. And so, we welcomed the new year caring will continue. 2019 went by with dizzying speed with a flurry of activity! In January we Thank you on behalf of the and a timeline of many benchmarks replaced the crumbling 80‐year‐old hundreds of families‐in‐crisis who you and milestones. During the year, more roof at our Judd Hillside house. And are helping to survive, cope, and even than 350 families with seriously ill earlier this month, construction began thrive during the worst times for their children spent 4,400 nights at one of to transform our children’s playroom families. our two Houses in Manoa. We raised into the family recreation area. Sincerely, the age of eligibility for sick children Construction will take about four from 18 to 21 to accommodate months while the Judd Hillside House is children falling between the cracks – closed, but no families will be turned aging into young adulthood, but still away. Our Oahu Avenue House is still Jerri Chong, RMHC Hawaii President

“Aloha From Our House to Yours”, the newsletter of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii (RMHC-HI), is published three times a year.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii

Board of Directors Movie Passes Stacey Miyamoto Chair Gift Cards Duane Seabolt Russell Woo, M.D 1st Vice Chair 2nd Vice Chair Travel Size Toiletries and Wesley B. Hiyane Lisa Kikuta Toiletry Bags Treasurer Secretary Angela Ballard Dyanna Okazaki Markus Staib Grocery Store Gift Cards Anthony Froix, M.D. Clyde Shiigi Thanh Tran Tommy Silva White Hypoallergenic Pillow Protectors

Sharing Helps continued from page 1 other families sharing their stories, Ralph said one of the hardest parts dad at the Ronald McDonald House. supporting and encouraging us that of being a guest at Ronald McDonald He takes care of the children, gives us hope.” House is seeing other families leave. schedules all the doctor appointments Ralph added, “God sends down “We have all become such good and treatments, and has become an angels for everyone. Ronald McDonald friends and we support and are there accomplished cook. “It’s like starting House is our angel. They don’t just for each other. Everyone is family, and all over,” he said. provide a house, they take care of you. we miss people when they leave. But, then of course—you know they are “Ronald McDonald House has been Volunteers cook and staff is always around to provide transportation and healed and we’re really happy and a blessing in our lives,” said Seuga. wish them well.” “It’s the environment and staff and other support. It’s not just a job for them. They really care.” “One day that will be us!”

2 himself, supporting her as her health Going Home deteriorated and her treatments began. For those who stay at Ronald McDonald House, it’s a blessing to have Initially, April and her dad stayed other families around to share stories, with a relative in Waipahu, driving into food, culture, and compassion with. town for her treatments and But it’s both sad and wonderful to see appointments. Lesina was able to join someone leave the House. While they them in early 2018. Then, she and will be missed, “leaving the House” Enosa took turns staying with April means their medical treatments are while the other would return to done and they are healed or well on American Samoa to work. their way to recovery. In 2019, the family—reunited— January 16 was a joyous day for moved into the Ronald McDonald April Ngalu. After six months at the House. April was able to get her House, she and her mother and father treatments nearby, as well as meet returned to American Samoa. others at the House and experience the April Ngalu and her family care and support from staff, we needed it. Everyone was from April was two‐years‐old when she volunteers, and other House guests different places – countries, states, was diagnosed with leukemia. Her going through similar situations. parents, Lesina and Enosa, were told by islands – but we shared food and doctors back home that she needed to And just last month, they welcomed stories. The other guests were so travel to Hawaii for further diagnosis in the new year, celebrating the end of wonderful and the staff was so nice.” April’s treatments and saying farewell and medical care. Now five years old and back in as the delightful youngster excitedly American Samoa, April is doing well. The Ngalus had an additional got ready to return home to the Pacific Lesina said their family misses challenge: mom Lesina, originally from Islands. Western Samoa, could not travel with everyone, but is happy that April’s her daughter and husband to Hawaii; “The Ronald McDonald House was a leukemia is in remission and are so she had to return to Western Samoa to blessing for us and gave us so much grateful for the support of Ronald update her Visa, which could take six hope and positive energy,” Lesina said. McDonald House and all the people at months. Enosa brought April to Hawaii “They provided everything: care, room the House that Love Built. and board, and transportation when

Miracle on Merchant Street Don and Marion Murphy, owners of with a tour of downtown city lights, Murphy’s Bar and Grill, have opened Santa visits, and a large screen movie, their hearts and restaurant to the as well as toys donated by guests. community and RMHC Hawaii families Mahalo to this loving couple—whose for the holidays for more than 30 years. event cheers up the community and Their toy drive and delicious buffet our RMHC families each year! meals bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Last holiday season was no exception. The Murphys hosted the event on Don and Marion Murphy host Miracle on December 11, offering a trolley ride Merchant Street.

Children delight in holiday gift arrivals. Miracle on Merchant Street Celebration. Waiting for Santa.

3 Share a Night Gala 2019 Gala Honorees Al Waterson & Nancy Bernal Mahalo to all our sponsors, auction donors, suppliers and everyone who attended our Sparkle & Shine themed Share A Night Gala at the Sheraton Waikiki Resort, helping to raise more than $300,000 for our Ronald House programs. Over 500 attendees joined us to enjoy cocktails, competitive bidding on an assortment of silent and live auction items, heart warming comments from RMH families and top local entertainers performing to honor their friends, Al & Nancy, who also served as Emcee and Entertainment Director respectively. A special thank you to Auctioneer Eric Schiff, Royal Hawaiian Movers, and the many volunteers and groups who gave of their time to make the evening a success. Mahalo to Our Shining Stars Koa Sponsors Golden Arches Merchants Association McDonald’s Hawaii Ilima Sponsors Aryzta Bakeries Ed and Lei Keough The Sullivan Family Ben & Vicky Cayetano/Ginny Tiu Meadow Gold Dairies of Companies

Pikake Sponsors Anbe, Aruga & Ishizu, Egami & Ichikawa CPAs, Inc. Hung Wo and Elizabeth Lau Midas Hawaii Architects, Inc. Eric Higashihara & Associates Ching Foundation Milici Valenti Ng Pack ANG, Inc. Feldman Family and Friends INPAC Wealth Solutions Sheraton Waikiki Resort Shaina & Timothy Au Golden State Foods Kaiser Permanente Clyde & Ann Shiigi Bank of Hawaii H&H Overhead Door of Veronica Kaneko Sky River Management Besnard Insurance Oahu, Inc. Kapiolani Medical Center for SSFM International Brown & Brown Hawaii Gas Women and Children T&T Tinting Specialists, Inc. Pacific Insurance Hawaii National Bank McDonald’s of Hawaii Island The Shidler Group BRYB, Inc. Hawaiian Electric McDonald's of Kapolei, Todd & Seabolt, LLC Central Pacific Bank HPC Foods, Ltd. Nanakuli & Waianae UHA Health Insurance Chung Restaurants McDonald’s of Kehalani Woo Family of , LLC Special Friends of RMHC Hawaii Mr. & Mrs. Norman and Maurice and Joanna Sullivan Sharon Wong Family Foundation Friends of the Gala • Melvin & Carolyn Aoki • Alaska Airlines • Alaska Reel Adventures • Aloha Pearls • Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach • Ben & Maila • DataHouse • • Drunch Crew • Five-O Photo • Jacqui Heinrich • Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa • Hawaiian Airlines • Denise Hayashi Yamaguchi • Hildgund Jewelers • • Wes Hiyane • Hyatt Centric Park City • KBRL, Inc. • Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts • Lawai Beach Resort • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel • Mauna Lani - Auberge Resorts Collection • • McDonald’s Hawaii • Sheraton Kauai Resort • Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa • Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel • Southwest Airlines • Terry Fator Companies • • The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas • The Park Central Hotel San Francisco • The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas • The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas • • The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas • The Westin Verasa Napa • Derek & Susan Toyama • Trump International Hotel Waikiki • Tyson Foods • • Blaine & Kristy Umeda • Wynn Resorts • Corey Yamamoto, RMY Construction, Inc. •

4 Michael Paulo and Glenn Medeiros have fun performing. Ben & Vicky Cayetano, Honorees Nancy Bernal & Al Waterson and Ginny Tiu.

Kitty Wo, RMHC President Jerri Chong, Denise Hayashi The Feldman family share their RMHC experience and little Yamaguchi holding Mika, and Cathy Lee. Liam raises his arms as mom introduces him.

American Idol finalist Jordan Guests view and bid on the Our friends from McDonald’s and all our guests ready to Segundo was a highlight in the multitude of silent auction items. enjoy their meal and fellowship. outstanding lineup of entertainment.

Troy Wada holds the autographed Eagles guitar he won Guest decide which fabulous lucky drawing to drop their tickets in at the live auction. He is joined by friends and Miss with the top prize being the Polaris Star of Hope diamond necklace Hawaii Nikki Holbrook. from Hildgund Jewelers.

5 Ways The Community Supports Us A big Mahalo to our wonderful volunteers. Your extra hands and support make Ronald McDonald House a “Home Away from Home.”

House guests enjoyed festivities and pumpkins provided by RAI Trade Marketing Coast Guard District 14 service men and women threw a taco party. Services last October.

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club team hosted a pasta With the help of more than 100 volunteers our Share‐ extravaganza. A‐Night Gala was a fun filled and successful night!

House guests enjoyed Sunday lunch Amano Construction hosted dinner and Meet our Sunday deep clean team served by the Serving Sabers. took down Christmas decorations. from First Hawaiian Bank.

6 It Takes Ohana—and a Security Blanket

Six‐year‐old Jaylin has his whole life Jaylin’s family stayed at the House “Everything and everyone was there ahead of him thanks to modern for 6 months. Papa Jason was there for us. A helping hand, a shoulder to medicine and ohana that stayed by his almost the whole time, so that Jaylin’s lean on, compassion and caring. The side as he fought cancer twice. parents could go back to work. But dinner table was where all the families Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic most weeks, family members took would congregate, where we laughed, leukemia in October 2018, his entire turns commuting back and forth from family worked as a team to help Jaylin home and jobs on Lanai to the hospital get better. Although his parents were and Ronald McDonald House. no longer together, everyone stepped Then, in November—just before up and put Jaylin first. The whole family Thanksgiving—Jaylin was diagnosed was involved—both sets of with a more aggressive and rare form grandparents, Naomi and Papa Jason; of leukemia in his bones. “Fifty percent Mama Tani and Papa Paulino; and his of his body had leukemia,” said Naomi. mom and dad— “Our world turned Mahealani and Philip,” upside down. Jaylin said grandma Naomi. was back in the They flew back and hospital and this was forth from their a really, really rough Jaylin Ohashi Bolo homes on Lanai to time.” cried, and shared. And Jaylin knew the Oahu, working in “But Ronald pairs, tandem, House inside out. For him, it was McDonald House was home. We will forever be grateful for individually, or as a there for us and whole unit, always everything the House has done for our helped us get through Jaylin,” said Naomi. making sure someone the hardship! Every was right by his side. day, coming home Naomi said Jaylin is doing 110% Jaylin was in the and driving up the better. He has no cancer cells, but is on a maintenance program. He’s passed hospital initially for Naomi, Jaylin, Papa Jason driveway gave us a three weeks, then feeling of security and the one year marker, cancer free, but required long‐term follow‐up hope that we could get through this. still comes to Oahu for monthly treatment. “We didn’t know what we We were in our own bubble. Staying in chemotherapy and check‐ups. And it’s were going to do. Then we found out the security bubble meant everything always such a joyous occasion to see about the Ronald McDonald House,” to us. It’s truly the House that Love Jaylin and celebrate how well he’s said Naomi. Built—our security blanket. doing! APIII Golf Tournament SAVE THE DATE In memory of Anthony “Tony” Pereira III, Midas Hawaii owners, Bob and Dianne Pereira, host a golf tournament to benefit Ronald McDonald House for Charities. This year, 139 players participated at the fundraising event held at the Mid Pacific Country Club on January 27th, raising over $46,000. Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii 29th Annual Golf Classic July 15, 2020 Hawaii Prince Golf Club

Dianne and Bob Pereira Golfers helped raise funds for RMHC.

7 Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Hawaii Non-Profit Org. 1970 Judd Hillside Road U.S. Postage Paid P.O. Box 61777 Honolulu HI Honolulu, Hawaii 96839‐1777 Permit No. 635 Phone: (808) 973‐5683 [email protected] www.RonaldHouseHawaii.org

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Volunteer Spotlight Meadow Gold Meadow Gold Hawaii’s goodwill ambassador, Lani Moo, takes the spotlight in our Volunteer Corner this month. She represents a company that champions healthy babies, active kids, and wholesome lifestyles that support and celebrate families in Hawaii. Lani and Meadow Gold are a big part of The Ronald McDonald House recipe for healthy living, donating thousands of gallons of milk and juice, and tons of ® Round-Up for RMHC to frozen fruit and dairy products for our families for nearly 30 years. Some of our     earliest guests at the House now have children of their own, and they’re enjoying Next time you visit a McDonald’s restaurant, please and growing up with the same nutritional products that consider givingHOW a smallCAN donationI DONATE? right when you order Meadow Gold provided for families during their stay with us. by roundingPlace up your your total order to the nearest dollar. Said longtime company president and RMHC supporter,

Here’s howAt youthe front can counter, donate: kiosk or drive-thru. Glenn Muranaka, “Healthy babies and healthy children mirror the benefits of the nutritional value of milk. It’s the perfect At Kiosk: Round-upChoose to “Round-Up”your total to your the nearesttotal during dollar food. And it’s such a humbling opportunity for Meadow Gold checkout. For example, round-up your $7.50 total (including tax) to $8.00 and complete your purchase. to be able to help and provide healthy options to some of our At Counter and Drive Thru: Let a Crew Member most vulnerable children by supporting this wonderful know you wouldMahalo like for to your “Round-Up” donation when you place charity.” your order. toCash RMHC donations Hawaii! are also accepted in the Thank you Meadow Gold, Glenn, and Lani Moo for three RMHC Donation Boxes. decades of taking care of our Ronald McDonald House ©2019 McDonald’s LM27942 children and families!