We kept asking ourselves how and why this could have hap-pened to us. Was it something I did? How will we manage beingon a different island? What about our jobs? The questionsjust kept emerging, and even though we knew deep down insidethat we would do anything, and I mean ANYTHING to hold onto our baby’s life, we just didn’t know where to begin. Doctorstold us that some babies go home by their original due dates atthe least, which meant three to four months for us.

The biggest question then was where we would stay forthat amount of time? Before I was discharged, one of the hos-

pital’s social workers toldus about the RonaldMcDonald House. Eventhough we were unsureof what it would be likeliving there and feltemotionally drained, wedecided to give it a try.

From the moment wearrived at the House,there was an instantwarm and welcomingfeeling. It wasn’t any-thing we expected. Wewere in complete awe aswe were given a tour of

the beautiful home, and an immediate sense of satisfactioncame over us. We knew our two boys would love it, too. Whocould ask for more? An indoor children’s play area, as well as

an outdoor playarea, whichcombined,seemed like anideal daycareset up. Thekitchen, diningarea, bath-rooms, and bed-rooms were allso beautiful, itcouldn’t havebeen a more

inviting environment. But it wasn’t just the physical atmospherethat made us love the Ronald McDonald House. More than that,it was the people and the organization itself!

We had heard of Ronald McDonald House but until westayed there, we had no idea of how important it is or howmeaningful it would be to us. While staying at the House, weestablished lifetime friendships with people from all over theglobe. Some of the families we met were going through similarsituations, if not more challenging ones than we were and wegained strength from them. We supported each other and justknowing that we were not the only ones going through toughtimes really meant a lot.

Kiya-Leshay fought as hard as she could for eight weeksbut unfortunately her little heart and lungs combined could notendure any more, and she passed away at the end of June. Itwas devastating. But now, as we reflect back, we realize thosetwo months were the best two months of our lives, and thather short visit to this world changed us forever.

The whole experience at the Ronald McDonald House, andknowing the caring volunteers and staff there, has left our twoyoung children with a clearer understanding of many virtueswhich we value dearly. They have learned to be more acceptingof each other’s differences; to treat others with kindness and

Continued on page 2

Wish ListGift Certificates

Wal-MartCostcoK-Mart

Sam’s ClubLongs Drugs

SafewayGasoline gift cards

Household ItemsLaundry detergent

Fabric softener/Dryer SheetsPaper towels, napkins & plates

Toilet paper (individually wrapped)Zip lock bags-all sizes

Aluminum foilPlastic food storage containers

Food ItemsMiscellaneous canned goods

ShoyuFlour

Cooking oilIndividually wrapped snacks

RiceSaimin

Life took an unexpected detour for Dee and Kelsey Walker on April 26, 2007, when Dee was flown from the BigIsland to Oahu on doctor’s orders to be monitored and cared for by Kapiolani Medical Center. She was only 24-weeksalong in her pregnancy and her doctor said there were complications.

Twelve hours after arriving at the hospital, Dee gave birth to a 17-1/2 ounce daughter whom they named Kiya-Leshay. They were elated to finally have a baby girl to go along with their two sons, K-Jaye and Tre, but they immedi-ately began to anticipate the roller coaster ride they were in for. Here is their story in Dee’s own words.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life” by Dee Walker

Dee and Kelsey Walker with sons Tre and K-Jayeat the bedside of Kiya-Leshay

The Walkers outside theirhome-away-from-home, theRonald McDonald House

One Family’s Story

From Our House to YoursAloha

February 2008 Newsletter of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Hawaii

2

Cancer and other serious dis-eases don’t take holidays off, so youwill always find families staying atthe Ronald McDonald House—whether it is Easter, Thanksgiving, achild’s birthday, even Christmas.

Given a choice, the children andtheir families would obviously prefer

to be in their own homes celebrating the occasions witheach other and extended family members, rather than onanother island, dealing with a child’s life-threatening illness.

Thankfully, we live in a culture here in Hawaii wherekindness and generosity are the accepted norm. This alohawe show for others is one of the reasons our beautifulislands are so very special.

Each year in December, numerous people and businessesin the community step forward to make sure that guestsstaying at the House don’t miss out on any of the Christmasspirit of caring and giving. Heartwarming examples includegroups from local companies foregoing their officeChristmas parties to instead create much-appreciatedevents for our families; individuals dropping off items fromour wish list, baking goodies; donating balloons; and muchmore.

Those with the resources often find the end of theyear the right time to make financial contributions toRMHC-HI as well.

One event that is fast becoming a yearly tradition isthe RMHC-HI Gala. This year's was the biggest yet with

A Message from our Executive Director

Jerri Chong

700 people attending the event honoring the Sullivan fami-ly. Starting with the late Maurice (“Sully”) Sullivan andcontinuing to this day with his wife Joanna and their chil-dren, these remarkable people have contributed in everyway possible to help children and families through RonaldMcDonald House Charities of Hawaii. You won't find amore community-minded family anywhere.

Many friends of the Sullivans and supporters of RMHC-HI attended, including former governors and business lead-ers, as well as several extraordinary families that hadstayed at the House previously and came back especially toattend the event (see page six).

Remarkably, families that stay at the House tend toremain part of the RMHC-HI Ohana indefinitely. It is sowonderful to see them when they inevitably return to visit.As you look through this issue, I’m certain you will get asense of how special the relationships with the families are.

Thank you to every single person who has shown sup-port for Hawaii’s Ronald McDonald House, whether youdropped your change into a collection canister atMcDonald’s, donated goods and services, made monetarydonations, or gave of your precious time to serve as avolunteer.

Your continuing kokua can assure that families with achild going through a medical crisis have a home-away-from-home to call their own while seeking treatment inHonolulu.

RMHC-HI Board of Directors:Brian Takeda

President

Richard Rand, Esq.1st Vice President

Frankie Chung2nd Vice President

Terri CanoSecretary

Paul TakayesuTreasurer

Dr. Daniel Robie, M.D.Past President

Kimo Cano Beth LumDoreen Griffith Dennis Pang

Mi Kosasa Donna Ribellia-AbreuPatrick Lim Ken Silva

Continued from page 1

respect; and they are more aware of what it’slike to be a sensitive and caring individual as awhole. These are all essential qualities that wecan only hope our children will continue to findof great importance in life.

My belief has always been that there isalways something to be thankful for, and evenin this bittersweet situation, we will alwaysremember and cherish this heartfelt experi-ence. It has definitely given us a richer per-spective on life. We have learned and we havegrown. It is Kiya-Leshay’s legacy, I guess youcould say.

One of my favorite quotes is from MelodyBeattie:

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. Itturns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into accep-tance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast,a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense ofour past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Ronald McDonald House definitely holds a special place in our hearts!You will always be appreciated whole-heartedly for the priceless gift of loveyou provided us with at your House, OUR HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME!

Kelsey and Dee returnedrecently for the RMHC-HIGala. Dee readily shared theirstory with the audience.

3

“This journey is a huge challenge in my life. But there is hope out there. Just alwaysbelieve in God,” -Rica Ada, 13

Parting ways is always difficult…

RMHC-HI staff members Gene, Candace, Jerri,and Michelle show off their FriendshipBracelets that cancer patient Rica Ada (center)made for them before leaving for home inSaipan after her long stay at the RonaldMcDonald House. Right, is the note sheattached to each one.

(Back, l-r) Rica’s stepmom Carrie; sisterRenee; Rica; dad Juan Sr.; and mom Paula

(Front, l-r) Rica’s sister Reiann andbrother Juan Jr.

Strands & Knots of Friendship

2 strands to remind you ofhow much you are loved.Another 2 to rememberthe good Lord above.

1 knot to remind you to takecare of yourself,

and another 1 to remind you to cherish your health.

A third 1 to remember to laugh,dance and sing,

and the last 1 to remind youof the joy that you bring.

Words cannot explain how much Iappreciate everything you havedone for me, so I leave this littletoken of friendship as a reminderof me.

Thank you! Rica H. Ada

Kalei and Darcy Baker of Volcano recently dropped by to visit the place they calledhome in March while their baby Kaiwi‘ula was treated for a rare strain of Whooping Cough.“It was quite a shock when we took Kaiwi‘ula to the ER and they told us he had to be sentimmediately to Oahu by air ambulance, said Darcy.”

“But you folks were there for us and we’re so grateful, Kalei added. “We just had tocome back to thank you. We really wanted to do that. It’s so amazing; you can just feel thewarmth here.”

As many people do, Kalei and Darcy brought others in their family to see the Houseand meet the people. Here, in a photo taken during their visit, they pose with five ofseven children, (back, left-right) Makaloa (15), Ka‘ai (10), and Kamaka (13). ‘Alohikea sitson Darcy’s lap while a now healthy Kaiwi‘ula sits on Kalei’s. Their two other children,Georgia Lee (9) and Madison (7) were back home on the Big Island.

Please Print

Please clip and mail to RMHC, P.O. Box 61777, Honolulu, Hawaii 96839-1777

9 My check/payment is enclosed

Please Charge my:9 Visa 9 MasterCard 9 American Express

Card Number ______________________________

Expiration Date ____________________________

Name on Card______________________________

Your Signature ____________________________

I want to step forward for the families. Enclosed is my gift to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii.

9 $250 9 $150 9 $100

9 $75 9 $50 9 Other - $_______

Name____________________________________

Address__________________________________

City ____________________________________

State ________ Zip Code __________________

9 Skip my acknowledgement and save the funds for your programs. I know my gift is appreciated and being utilized well. My cancelledcheck/credit card statement will serve as a receipt (all gifts of $250 or more will be sent a written receipt in compliance with current tax requirements).

...but many families find their way back

World Children’s Day 2007!!November 20th markedthe sixth annual WorldChildren’s Day, a globalobservance of children’scauses and a fundraiserfor Ronald McDonaldHouse Charities. This yearin Hawaii, World Children’sDay promotions withMcDonald’s and the Honolulu Advertiserraised more than $50,000 for RMHC-HI.Celebrities visited McDonald’s Restaurantsthroughout the state to show their support.

RHMC-HI’s Jerri Chong (left) holdsthe microphone for KHON-2 News’Manolo Morales during an interview

KITV-4 News Weekend Achor Jill Kuramotomiddle) poses at the Kahala McDonald’s withRMHC-HI’s Reenie Rea (left) and MelanieOkazaki, McDonald’s of Hawaii MarketingManager

Sunrise on KGMB-9 Anchors Steve Uyeharaand Grace Lum clown around with Ronald atthe Makiki McDonald’s

Employees at the Nimitz McDonald’s toldKHNL News 8 Anchor Howard Dashefsky notto quit his day job.

KHNL News 8 Anchor Stephanie Lum reallylights up a drive thru window!

4

A Celebration of LifeNearly one hundred people assem-

bled at Nani Mau Botanical Gardens, inHilo on November 3rd for a reunion ofmainly East Hawaii families that hadstayed at the Ronald McDonald Housesometime during its two-decade history.Some families came from as far away asKona and Honokaa to take part in theday of fun, food and fellowship — ACelebration of Life.

The event was to help commemoratethe Hawaii Ronald McDonald House’s20th anniversary, and to reaffirm thelifelong connection between families andthe “House That Love Built.”

Hilo event reunites Ronald McDonald House with former guest families

5

A Welcomed HomecomingOne late afternoon not too long ago, two tall gentle-

men walked up to the front door of the Ronald McDonaldHouse on Judd Hillside and hesitated, looking as thoughthey were wondering whether or not to come inside. Weinvited them in, of course, and thus began an extraordi-nary visit to the House by Afoa “Titi” Nofoagatoto‘a andhis son Kennedy, of American Samoa.

We soon learnedthat the two, as wellas Titi’s wife, Fou,and their two otherchildren, Reagan andRenee, had stayed atthe House more thaneight years earlier,while Kennedy’s youngerbrother Jordan wasfighting leukemia.

They gladly shared their story with us.Jordan had been a normal, active six-year-old boy

when he was stricken and then hurriedly flown toHonolulu’s Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. Initially,only mom could come with him. Jordan’s brothers andsister were in school at the time and Titi had a job andthe family business needed tending.

When doctors determined that Jordan would needchemotherapy and then a bone marrow transplant, therest of the family flew to Hawaii and were tested as pos-sible bone-marrow donors. Kennedy was the closest, withfive out of six markers matching, but doctors wanted tokeep looking for a perfect match. “That’s when I knewthat it would be a long process and would require severeadjustments,” Titi said. He sold their small grocery storeand was able to take tempo-rary leave from his job. Heenrolled their children inschool here in Honolulu.

“We always hold ourexperience here at theRonald McDonald Houseclose to our hearts,” Tititold us. “Being able to havebrothers and sister around--the whole family together--was very comforting forJordan. We were able togive him the best possible environment.”

Things appeared to be progressing as planned, butduring what was supposed to be Jordan’s final chemother-apy, he got very sick and wound up in the Intensive CareUnit at the hospital for three months.

It was then that the family was told that Jordancould not survive the transplant procedure and that there

were few or no options left. The doctor gently suggestedthat it might be time to just let Jordan enjoy the life hehad left. “We prayed, and we thought a lot about it, andwe even talked to Jordan,” said Titi. “In the end, wedecided to return to Samoa.”

In a remarkable gesture of caring, his two nurses atTripler Hospital took leave from their jobs to come toSamoa to help keep him comfortable. “We turned one ofthe rooms in our house into a small care center for himand air conditioned it,” said Titi.

Titi said their experiences with Jordan here at theRonald McDonald House resulted in many profoundchanges in their lives.

Kennedy, a student at the University of Hawaii, ispursuing a career in medicine because of his experiencesduring Jordan’s illness. “I saw my brother in the hospitaland I really wanted to be able to do something but atthat age I couldn’t do anything for him,” Kennedy saidregretfully. “So I figured I could maybe help others inthe future not to go through that pain if I went to schooland became a doctor.”

In the years followingJordan’s passing, the familyopened two new businessesand has been able to build anew home. “A large one—like this,” Titi said, gestur-ing around him. “In fact wemodeled our house to bevery much like this House.”

Titi paused and thenchuckled while telling usthat when they weredesigning the new home,they looked at pictures of the Ronald McDonald House.“If you visit us, you will see a veranda and entrance verymuch like here. We wanted a place where people couldcome and stay, and a room to offer to the church forstudy groups.” He said the House also has a special roomset aside as Jordan’s, where they keep his memory alivethrough photos and other memorabilia.

The family also actively supports organizations inSamoa that help children and communities. “When wewere here and saw everything you were doing for familiesfrom all over, we decided that we wanted to do the samething ourselves.

We are so thankful for what the Ronald McDonaldHouse gave us—a place where we could all stay togetherto support our son. It was so important to us and we willbe forever grateful,” Titi added. “We will always treasurethe memory of the family together here at the RonaldMcDonald House.”

Afoa “Titi” Nofoagatoto‘a

Jordan Nofoagatoto‘a

Titi and Kennedy Nofoagatoto‘a

In photos above, Ruthie Mersburgh of Kailua-Konawipes away a tear from mom Charlene's eye as dadDan delivers a moving account of his family's diffi-cult times following Ruthie's cancer diagnosis.Afterward, Dan and Ruthie show everyone thatlife is to be celebrated. In photo below, TiataiSalefoa and son Junior, House guests fromWestern Samoa, enjoy the night out.

6

Seven hundred people shared amagnificent and emotional evening atthis year's RMHC-HI Gala fundrais-er, December 2nd at the HiltonHawaiian Village's Tapa Ballroom.

The event, which also capped offthe organization's year-long obser-vance of Ronald McDonald HouseHawaii's 20th anniversary, honoredthe Sullivan family, which, headed bythe late Maurice “Sully” Sullivan, hasmade so many significant contribu-

tions to RMHC-HI and the entirecommunity.

The most moving part of theevening may have been the firstperson accounts by parents whodescribed what it felt like to havea seriously ill child and the impactRonald McDonald House has had ontheir lives.

Mahalo to everyone whoattended and made it possible!

Mahalo to Our Shining Stars

MAILE SPONSORSHIP ($10,000)AIG Hawaii Maurice and Joanna Sullivan Family Foundation (2) Mr. Arnold M. Baptiste, Jr. & Mrs. Joji Baptiste McDonald's CorporationChun, Kerr, Dodd, Beaman & Wong LLP McDonald's Restaurants of HawaiiFresh Start Bakeries Dr. Lawrence K.W. TseuGolden Arches Merchants Association

ILIMA SPONSORSHIP ($5,000)Alexander & Baldwin, Inc./A&B Foundation Ko Olina Resort and MarinaBank of Hawaii Dr. Thomas & Mi KosasaTai Yau Chung Lin & Ella Wong FoundationFirst Hawaiian Bank Violet LooFirst Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd. Warren & Carolyn LukeFood Pantry, Limited McDonald’s of Maui/Rosario FamilyFoodland Super Market, Limited Meadow Gold DairiesGolden State Foods Servco FoundationGrace Pacific Corporation Sheridan & Julia Ing Family FoundationH.Q. Pang Associates /Alston Hunt Floyd & IngH.T. Hayashi Foundation Sueda & Associates Inc.Dwayne & Marti Steele Fund Patrick J. SullivanIsland Insurance Robert & Betty WoJohn H. Connors Insurance Y. Hata & Company, Ltd.

PIKAKE SPONSORSHIP ($3,000)Accuity LLP Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & ChildrenAmerican Savings Bank Koga Engineering & Construction, Inc.Armstrong Produce Duane and Susan KurisuMr. & Mrs. Sidney K. Ayabe Marr Hipp Jones & WangCC Engineering & Construction, Inc. McDonald's Restaurants of HawaiiCommunications Pacific Merrill LynchConstruction Associates, Inc. MW Group, LimitedDiamond Head Market & Grill Nordic Construction, Ltd.DTRIC Insurance Company, Limited Michael & Patricia O’NeillJill Friedman R.M. Towill CorporationThe Gas Company, LLC Jean RollesGrant Thornton LLP Shidler Hawaii Investment PartnersHawaii USA Federal Credit Union Torkildson, Katz, Fonseca, Moore & HetheringtonHMSA Blossom Y. Tyau FamilyHung Wo & Elizabeth Lau Ching Foundation United Laundry Services, Inc.The James & Juanita Wo Foundation Dr. & Mrs. William WonVeronica Kaneko

The Sullivans: Patrick, Joanna, Jenai, “Sully”, Kittyand Colleen

Honorary Co-ChairsWarren K.K. Luke Betty C. Wo

Steering CommitteeSandra Albano Jerri Chong Mi Kosasa Melanie Okazaki

Candace Asam-Lopez Jerilyn Jeffryes Clifton Kagawa Blossom Y. Tyau

Vice ChairsJean Ariyoshi Kitty Lagareta Sharon McPhee John Toner

Mark Fukunaga Sue Landon Jean Rolles Dr. Lawrence K.W. TseuNery Heenan Victor Lim Marti Steele Jeffrey Watanabe

Veronica Kaneko Carolyn Luke Lloyd Sueda

7

Reuben Wong, Blossom Tyau, Joanna Sullivan, Vera Wong, Kitty Wo A toast to the Sullivan Family

Eric Watanabe, Mrs. Sullivan, Henry andCharlotte Clark

Kitty and Buzz Wo

Kitty, Jenai, Mrs. Sullivan Sue Wesselkamper, Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu, Mrs. Sullivan,Tom Wesselkamper

Eamon, Roger and Jenai WallCarolyn Luke, Debbie Lim, Warren K.K. Luke, Patrick Lim

Dr. Jay Cambra (center) and Veronica Kaneko (2ndfrom right), surrounded by RMHC-HI families

Betty Wo, Mrs. Sullivan, Jerri Chong, BlossomTyau

Alvin, Norah and Tai Yau Chung (seated)with Mrs. Sullivan

Jean and George Ariyoshi, Vicky and BenCayetano

Gretchen Jong, Lei Ahu Isa, Sandy Albano, JerilynJeffryes

Betty Wo and Santa

Non-Profit Org.U.S.Postage Paid

Honolulu HIPermit No.635

Ronald McDonald House Charities®

of Hawaii1970 Judd Hillside RoadP.O. Box 61777Honolulu, Hawaii 96839-1777

She says she has “answered phones, filed papers, donemail outs, counted coins, done grocery shopping with thefamilies, and driven the Ronald McDonald van to takepatients to Kapiolani Women’s Hospital, and to pick up foodat the Foodbank and Costco.”

In the House’s infancy, while working on an assignmentto make cold calls and recruit businesses that were inter-ested in lending their support, she recruited Cinnabons tobe one of the House’s first business donors. To this day,she still picks up Cinnabons at the Kahala Mall store, anddrops them off at the House. When families and staff seeCinnabons on the kitchen counter, they all know that Mamiewas here. She is also affectionately known as the “CinnabonLady.”

Mamie says that she feels the Ronald McDonald Househas been an important part of her everyday life—and achance for her to make the world a better place. “I amcommitted to the Ronald McDonald House family for life,”she says. “I feel that I can continue to make a differencein the whole scheme of things, even with my modest contri-butions.”

After all these years, Mamie says she believes morethan ever that the Ronald McDonald House is a place forchildren and families to feel safe, supported and comfortedin the midst of very difficult times and says, “That’s whyI’m still here!”

Find out all about volunteering at RMHC-HI on ourwebsite, www.ronaldhousehawaii.org.

Let’s shine the spotlight on Mamie Murray, volunteerextraordinaire! Mamie is a familiar sight at RonaldMcDonald House, as she regularly drops off Cinnabons forthe families. She also volunteers at the Ronald McDonaldHouse Family Room. Actually, she has been helping kids andfamilies by volunteering at the House for over 20 years.Mamie was part of the original “group of trainees” when theHouse first got started back in 1987.

She was teaching firstgrade at Holy Family CatholicSchool and earning herMasters in ElementaryEducation at the University ofHawaii when she first becameaware of the organization. “Iheard about the RonaldMcDonald House and its won-derful work in media articles,and learned of its reputationin other states,” says Mamie.“It motivated me to becomepart of what was obviouslysomething special.”

Volunteer SpotlightMamie MurrayBy Michael Ahakuelo

Mamie Murray, AKA “TheCinnabon Lady”