AlohaFrom Our House to Yours www.RonaldHouseHawaii.org Newsletter of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of October 2012

Waiting for Koamalu Updated October 5, 2012

Koamalu is still too small to get on transplant that he needs. It will the transplant list. He needs to weigh probably take place at Stanford 22 pounds, and five months after being Medical Center or Seattle Children’s born, he’s just halfway there. So Hospital. Both places are familiar with everyone waits and hopes. Koamalu’s Koamalu’s case and he has even gone twin brother Hayden continues to through testing at Stanford. progress, doing a little better than A year ago, back in Kailua-Kona, Koamalu, but he has also had serious neither Jade, 18, nor Les, 22, could difficulties at times. Their young have ever imagined where they would parents, Jade Iaukea-Shimizu and Les be now and what they would be doing. The sudden change in their lives began Koamalu is holding on. the day Jade found out that she was Wish List Huihui, have been unwavering in their expecting. Les remembers it well. “We Gift Cards tireless efforts on behalf of their were both scared. We didn’t know who Restaurants babies. to tell. We didn’t even know what to do Wal-Mart For the moment, the couple’s life next. I had never even baby sat Costco mostly consists of long hours at the before.” K-Mart hospital followed by anxious nights Then came a double-shocker. They Target huddled together with Hayden at the learned that Jade was expecting twins. Sam’s Club nearby Ronald McDonald House. But Longs Drugs they have been anything but spectators Supermarkets on this journey. They have already Gasoline gift cards taken the battle to UCLA Medical Prepaid phone cards Center in Los Angeles during Jade’s Movie Tickets pregnancy, where the diagnosis of Household Items Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Paper Plates was confirmed and a procedure Ziploc bags performed on the unborn twins to give Garbage bags each their own flow of blood. (10 gal., 13 gal., 33 gal.) Koamalu has what is called “short Jade and Les spend many hours each day Aluminum foil gut syndrome.” He was born with only encouraging Koamalu in Intensive Care. Plastic food storage containers 10 percent functioning intestines. One Food Items of the complications of this condition is When the surprise subsided, they Canned Goods that a baby’s liver begins to fail soon as found that they eagerly looked forward Ketchup well. So it’s a delicate race to 22 to the future together with their Sugar pounds, and if they can nurse along his babies. Cooking oil liver until then, he should be a But it started to get complicated Soy sauce candidate for the life-saving double about 20 weeks into Jade’s pregnancy. Fresh fruits & vegetables “The doctor told us that one of the Frozen meals (microwave) twins (Koamalu) had a fluid buildup in Saimin his abdomen,” says Les. “He gave him a Individually wrapped snacks 20% chance to make it, and he gave his Rice brother Hayden a 50% chance to Miscellaneous survive. He said that if Koamalu would Rolls/sheets/books of Forever pass, then Hayden would probably pass postage stamps with him. In the ultrasound, we could Xerox paper (8.5 x 11) see that their umbilical cords were Office supplies getting tangled up.” When everyone realized how fragile her pregnancy was, Baby Clothes 0-12 mo. (new) Hayden and Les grab a nap at the Ronald McDonald House. Continued on page 2 Message from our President

Aloha, Hawaii’s donation to RMHC-HI was more than $45,000! 2012, our 25th anniversary year, is Check out some photos from the event on page seven. turning out to be all that we had hoped 2012 will also be remembered as the year that we cre- for. We have been able to share the ated “Helen’s Corner”, a beautiful and special section of our Ronald McDonald House story with Hawaiian Garden on the Judd Hillside House grounds. countless people; express our grati- Helen’s Corner was dedicated to honor the memory of tude to our loyal supporters for their Helen Asakura, a long-time supporter of the Ronald McDon- 25 years of caring; and reconnect and ald House. Attending the dedication was Helen’s daughter strengthen our relationships with many Jerri Chong Ann Asakura, who herself has served on the RMHC-HI of the special families that have Board of Directors. Also on hand were many of Helen’s stayed here since we opened in 1987. friends from McDonald’s of Hawaii, who provided the fund- Taking Ronald McDonald with us on road trips to major ing to create Helen’s Corner. It is a beautiful area to shopping centers on Oahu and the neighbor islands this match the beautiful memories that we have of Helen. year has been truly special. We have held Saturday events But the year is at the Kahala and Windward Malls; Hilo’s Prince Kuhio Cen- not over yet. There ter; Lihue’s Kukui Grove Center; and Kahului’s Queen Kaahu- are still opportunities manu Center, featuring the Ronald McDonald Show, along for you take part in with other great entertainment and activities for the kids. our anniversary. We At each stop we felt so welcomed and everyone we met have our 25th An- seemed eager to better understand how we help families niversary Gala coming and to learn how they can show their support. Next, we will up on November 18; be at Kona Commons, in Kailua-Kona on December 1. the yearly Christmas A real highlight this year was being selected by the dinner and toy drive employees of Bank of Hawaii to receive a share of the pro- on December 5 at ceeds from their annual Community Walk. This fun event Murphy’s Bar & Grill; Helen’s Corner was held at the Zoo with bank personnel and their and much more. I families rallying together to enjoy the walk, entertainment, hope you will be there to help us put the finishing touches displays, and food. When all was said and done, Bank of on a year to remember!

Koamalu continued Ronald McDonald House, and before we knew it, we had a Jade was immediately flown over to Kapiolani Medical place to stay. Not just any place either, a wonderful place. Center on Oahu for bed rest. After holding on for a total We really enjoy being here. We made so many friends.” of 46 days, Jade gave birth to Koamalu and Hayden by “If not for Ronald McDonald House, sadly, we would caesarian section on April 7, nearly two months have had to go home and be miserable without our babies. prematurely. That just wouldn’t be right because you need to be near Hayden came out first and he had his heart murmur, your child in the hospital,” adds Les. which went away after a few days, but Koamalu needed The couple’s situation has had a profound effect on immediate intervention. “The second Koamalu came out, them. “At first I wondered why God gave us sick babies, they started draining the fluid that Les says. “Was he punishing us? But had built up in him,” Les says. before long I realized that God gave During a diagnostic test, they them to us because he knew that discovered the undeveloped willingly, we will do everything we can intestines. “So the doctor had to use for them. I am so happy these babies what was left, and connect him up as came into our life. We didn’t realize best he could,” tells Les. “But that it before, but we really weren’t wasn’t enough intestines left for him complete until our boys got here.” to survive. So he would ultimately “I’m still scared,” says Jade. “But need a transplant to save his life. I’m excited. I mean, it’s tiring but That was so hard for us to hear. I it’s not hard. I really enjoy having thought I was having a bad dream.” them around.” But through all of this, Les and “I know I will find a way to take Jade have been able to remain good care of my family,” concludes Jade and Les with Hayden at the Les. “As my dad used to tell me, ‘The optimistic. Ronald McDonald House. And they have a stable temporary road to success is always under living arrangement and safety net. “We weren’t sure what construction.’ There might be detours and it might get we were going to do after the twins were born,” says Jade. bumpy. Some people might pass you along the way. That “One of our neighbors had a preemie and they stayed at doesn’t mean that, at the end of the road, you’re not going the Ronald McDonald House, and they were telling us about to get to your destination.” it. So when the time came we asked the hospital about the

2 From our mailbox Dear Ronald McDonald House Staff, To the staff of Ronald McDonald House (both venues), Thank you so much for taking care of me when I had kidney failure. You guys are so nice to everyone, and We are thankful with grateful hearts for all your help and helpful, and caring and a lot more too! Tome you are my efforts for us, especially for Jason! heroes because you guys treated me like family and took Update on Jason: He’s a joyful one, already 3 1/2 years old, care of me on Christmas, even though I was sick. in preschool, very smart. He is still on therapies but taking steps Once I found out about my kidney, it made me cry. I still and getting stronger. At present, he is 36 inches long and have and hold my blanket you gave me. I love it so much. weighs 26.4 lbs. I get scared sometimes at my grandma’s house, so I hold He is also eating solid foods, but still on to my blanket really tight. My blanket is like my friend. has his feeding tube. Enclosed is I’m now 10-years-old and I’m in the 5th grade. My granny Jason’s pre-school picture. Ruth is very nice. She is wonderful, and now she makes Best wishes and God bless to all. blankets for you guys to give to other children. Love and prayers, Remember when I got healthier,and I was so glad to go May, Justin, and Jason back to Hilo? Well, part of me really didn’t want to go Pascua-Massie because I made friends there at the House. So anyway, —Kahului thank you for what you do! Please write back to me. I will be so happy. Thank you. Hope you write back! From our Facebook page Mahalo, Chel Arquero Shylynn Kawamoto My son, Ezekiel was born at 24 weeks last October. We stayed at the RMH for 5 months off and on as we traveled back and Dear Shylynn, forth from Maui. Ezekiel will be celebrating his first birthday soon and I just wanted to Thank you so much for writing and sharing your take this opportunity to thank the RMH for feelings with us. We were honored to have you and everything they have done for us while we were going through the roughest days in your family stay with us when you were in our lives. It was surely a home away from Honolulu being treated for your kidney problem. home. We love and miss you all. We will That’s really neat that you still love your blanket, be by soon to say hello with Ezekiel!!! and we are so grateful that your grandma takes Arquero/Nava Family the time to make new blankets for other children Justin Chubbs Rivera staying here. I miss this house ) Things remain the same at the Ronald McDonald ϐ House, with kids from all over the islands calling this their home-away-from-home during their medical hardships. Just like you, they are making Nora Ludgate Alaiafune friends with each other and helping each other For many years I've tried to find the words to express our gratitude to the staff of through the difficult times. RMHC, Honolulu. After many attempts and deletes, I decided that I We hope you are feeling good and enjoying school! simply cannot let another year go by. From our Ohana Remember, if you and your family are ever in to yours.. “Thank You” for Honolulu, please stop by to say hello to your giving us a home away from ohana at the “House that Love Built”. In the home and helping fuel Bucky’s heart in his battle Bucky meantime, please stay in touch and let us know with cancer. Today, we celebrate his 13th how you are doing. O.K.? birthday. And with every milestone we hit, we remember those who helped us along Sincerely, this journey. Thank You again RMHC... Jerri, Nikee, Candace, Gene, Michelle, Lisa, Kalei, Lana, Kasha, Michael, Kanoe, Richard, and everyone at RMHC-HI!

3 2012 RMHC-HI Golf Classic – July 19 - Mamala Bay

Participant and Emcee, Guy Hagi. PLATINUM TEAM SPONSORS Ed Sonoda Plumbing Inc. A Perfect day to play golf! Bama & Century Products Grace Pacific Corp Morning sprinkles turned into bril- ConAgra Foods/Lamb Weston HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union liant sunshine for the nearly 200 Crazy Shirts Honolulu Disposal Service golfers participating in this year’s Fortune 8 Group, LLC Island Insurance Company, Ltd. RMHC-HI Golf Classic at Joint Base Golden State Foods Kamehameha Schools Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s Mamala Bay Honolulu Star-Advertiser Koga Engineering & Construction Inc. Golf Course on July 19. It was a truly Horizon Lines - Team A KSSK Radio remarkable day for everyone. The Horizon Lines - Team B Leland Onekea & Partners, Architect sold-out event raised more than Kevin and Cathy Wong McDonald's Maui $100,000! Leu, Okuda & Doi, Attorneys at Law McDonald's of Hilo In addition, Dianne Pereira, Owner McDonald's Golden Arches Merchants Assoc. - McDonald's of Team A Mid Pac Petroleum of Midas Hawaii, presented a check to McDonald's Golden Arches Merchants Assoc. - Mutual Underwriters RMHC-HI for $6,790, representing Team B N&K CPAs, INC. the proceeds from her company’s own McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii-A Ng & Niebling, LLLC golf event! McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii-B PKF Pacific Hawaii LLP As the golfers settled down to a McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii-C Premier Insurance great dinner provided by Outback Meadow Gold Dairies Prudential Locations Foundation Steakhouse Waipio, many great prizes Midas Hawaii R.K. Oshiro Door Service, Inc. were given away. Outback Steakhouse Sheet Metal Industry Fund Below, among the lucky winners Rolex Presented by Kaimana Kea theStrategist was Tyler Tokioka, who went home Veronica Kaneko Urban Works, Inc. Architects Yamaguchi & Yamaguchi, Inc. with a $6,500 gift certificate, cour- GOLD TEAM SPONSORS tesy of Rolex by Kaimana Kea. Making Aryzta Fresh Start Bakeries PRIZE DONORS $500+ the presentation for Rolex was Deb- C C Engineering & Construction, Inc.-A Aqua Hotels and Resorts bie Medeiros. C C Engineering & Construction, Inc.-B Automotive Appearance Specialists Please visit our Facebook page for First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd Cycle City more photos from the RMHC-HI Golf HPC Foods, Ltd. Dave and Busters Classic. McDonald's of Wailuku Egami & Ichikawa CPAs, Inc. Mitsunaga & Associates, Inc.- Team A Golden State Foods - City of Industry Mitsunaga & Associates, Inc.- Team B Manufacturing Newtown Veterinary Clinic, Inc. Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village Servco Pacific Honolulu Club Sky River Management Kaanapali Beach Hotel Vacations Hawaii Makalei Golf Club Maui Jim Sunglasses SILVER TEAM SPONSORS Mauna Lani Resort Golf AlohaCare Mid Pacific Country Club American Savings Bank Moanalua Golf Club Cambie Plumbing Riviera Hotel & Casino In Memory of Jacob Zachariah Remular Lorenzo Ruth's Chris Steak House Chun, Kerr, Dodd, Beaman & Wong Tesoro Hawaii Corp. The Coca Cola Company The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Commercial Sheetmetal Co,. Inc. Turtle Bay Resort Golf Club Communications Pacific Vacations Hawaii Da Spit Chefs Zpizza Hawaii Dennis M.H. Pang & Associates

4 Mighty, Happy to Help the Kids! SAVE THE DATE!! Share a Night!! Don’t forget! For every Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meal sold through 2013, our friends at McDonald’s of Hawaii are The 2012 RMHC-HI Gala is coming up on donating five cents to RMHC-HI. Sunday, November 18 from 5:30 pm till Those nickels will really add up and make a big 9:30 pm, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. difference to our ability to serve the children and The theme is “25 Years of helping families” families. and we would love for you to be there! Go Thank you McDonald’s customers for your to our website for more details or call continual support of our mission through Candace at (808) 973-5683 ext. 239. participating in special promotions like this one and by dropping your change into the handy collection boxes near cash registers.

Convenient ways to support RMHC-HI

Most people agree that it feels good to extend a helping hand to families who are struggling with something difficult that they had no part in creating. For some folks, showing they care is as easy as writing a check or making an online contribution. Others, especially those with a little free time, prefer to give of themselves – stepping forward to fill one of the many important volunteer roles available. Or, supporting RMHC-HI can be as easy as picking up your morning paper at McDonald’s. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Maui News, Hawaii Tribune Herald, West Hawaii Today, Garden Island and Pacific Daily News all participate in a special program that sends part of your newspaper’s purchase price to RMHC- HI, when bought at McDonald’s. There are many more ways to help too, including: • incorporating RMHC-HI into your estate planning • conducting your own fundraisers benefitting RMHC-HI • putting spare change in the RMHC-HI collection boxes, located near the cash registers inside all McDonald Restaurants and most drive-thru windows • providing in-kind and Wish List donations for the Ronald McDonald Houses • using McFun-Raiser coupon books for your school or organization’s fund raising campaign

Ronald McDonald House Hawaii RonaldHouseHi

5 COMMUNITY SUPPORT Mahalo!

The staff of SSFM International selected RMHC-HI as the benefi- ciary of their 53rd Anniversary event held on September 13th. RMHC-HI was also given the opportunity share our mission and accomplishments with many of those attending. Mike Matsumoto, CEO of SSFM International, presented a $5,000 contribution to RMHC-HI and encouraged others to donate that night, raising another $2,000! (L-R) Mike Matsumoto; RMHC-HI board member Bruce Yanagihara; RMHC-HI President Jerri Chong; SSFM executive and RMHC-HI board member Cheryl Soon; and RMHC-HI board chair Wade Nakashima.

The Waimea Lions recently held a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser in cooperation with the enthusiastic staff of McDonald's Waimea Center, over on the Big Island. A portion of each ticket sold was earmarked for Ronald McDonald House Charities, an amount that was graciously matched by local McDonald's owner Robert Leopoldino, resulting in a more than $1,200 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities and a pledge by all to “let’s do it again.”

On Tuesday evening August 14, the wonderful folks from Cali- fornia Pizza Kitchen – Waikiki, led by their General Manager Darren Delucca, catered dinner for our families at Ronald McDonald House. They also brought numer- ous items from our Wish List! The families staying here were so appreciative when they returned from the hospital to find dinner waiting for them.

Left, a group of en- thusiastic volunteers from Hilton Grand Vacations cleaned the House on Sep- tember 8! Right, Vertical Patrol Naval Squadron 47 came up to the Ronald McDon- ald House on September 1 to help clean up, in and around the House.

6 We Thank the Bank!!

More than 1,800 Bank of Hawaii (BOH) Accepting the donation employees and their families gathered at the from Bank of Hawaii's Honolulu Zoo for Bank of Hawaii’s sixth annual Peter Ho (holding check) Community Walk. A record $135,000 in and Jason Koyanagi (far left) is Jerri Chong, donations was raised and was equally divided flanked by RMHC-HI among three Honolulu non-profits, including Board members (left to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii. right) Karen Wong, Dr. This is the largest amount that BOH Robert Durkin, Martin employees have raised since the walk was Lau, Francis Nakamoto, started in 2007, and this is the largest Richard Rand, Wade turnout of bank employees for a community Nakashima, Bruce Yanagihara, and service event. Each year employees vote to John Cheung. determine the walk’s beneficiary organizations. Thank you BOH for choosing RMHC-HI and then holding such an incredible event! Thank you too, for all the other things you do to help us assist families.

25th Anniversary recognition! (Left) the Honolulu City Council congratulated RMHC-HI on its milestone and (above) Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho proclaimed June 16 Ronald McDonald House Day on Kauai.

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

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Mahalo for your support!

www.RonaldHouseHawaii.org

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