Just us Girls (from top to bottom)

Anja, Kaulana, Toni, Jessie, Kristy

Kylan, Mom (bea), Halia & Chayden

Ka 'Ohana Kaonohi

Ka 'Ohana Kaonohi

How lovely, all together as one big happy family! It's been two years since the last picture with everyone. We take family pictures every year and for the past maybe 4 years, it's been missing one person. Most of us got our long sleeve shirts on and braved the cold to take this picture. Well worth freezing over, though!!!

From our Family to yours, May you all have a Wonderful and Prosperous New Year. I have a good feeling it will be a great one for the Kaonohi Family!

Toni's Fundraiser will be aired on the Olelo Channel:

12/19 @ 12:30p
1/4 @6p
1/6 @ 7p

Don't miss it!!!

I've just returned from St. George, Utah on Sat. the 6th, with my family. I've been with Toni for the past month. I still can't fathom the extreme frustration that she deals with daily, not being able to speak or communicate and not being able to move her right arm or fingers. She is a pillar of strength, continuously battling with obstacles that get in her way. All through these struggles, she presses on. She has physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy 3 times a week for an hour each. You would think after these strenuous treatments she would be tired, nope not TONI. She can't wait for her nieces and nephews to come over so she can play with them or hang out. Toni has definitely not lost her zest for life. Although at times she may get down and frustrated, she continues to tell herself that she gotta do it, she gotta work, she gotta practice and that she only has five months to do it in. Well she gave herself that goal of five months. Her therapist tell her that she should be speaking and have use of her right side in about a year, but she says NO! She will do it in five months, and of course, we all support her. Toni was always like this though, always following things through till the end. NEVER GIVING UP!!! Kaulana works with her a couple hours a day with her speech and cognitive thinking. She is progressing slowly, but she has improved by leaps and bounds.

Thanksgiving was wonderful, being able to be a family again, after having siblings and parents move, siblings on missions and so forth. It was fun and it was the most special and memorable Thanksgiving ever. It was even more special with friends and family who traveled from far to be with us, and especially Toni. She enjoyed her time with everyone and yup I'm going to say it again, especially her nephews; Nihoa, Malachi, Waiatea, Harvey, Coby and nieces; Chayden, Kylan and Halia. She gets over joyed as soon as she sees all of them.

Well our family would be remissed if we didn't thank those who made monetary donations. Below are the names of those who contributed:

Sophie & Jesse Makainai, Carol Makainai, Fred & Betty Rodigues, Toni Hopkins, Napua & Momi Kahawaiola'a, Jesse & Syl Makainai Jr., Joyce Vierra, Gloria Carlile, Darryl & Solette Perry, Paulette & Marvin Keopuhiwa, Ian Crabbe, Tami & Kimo Mack, Michael & Lori Findeis, Unlimited Potential Inc., Armine Keane, Dr. John T. McDonnell, Roy Hirokawa & Family, Lovell & Emo Kaopua Sr., Sylvia Waiwaiole, Byron Sherwood, Clyde & Pinky Makainai, Jennifer & Derek Ipsen, Makainai Cabinet Employees, Jay Webster Co., Michelle & Tim Yee, Kurtis Ching, Mona Yamada, Walter Onigama & Family, The Bengel Family, Randy Hudnall, Gail & Keao Kamalani, Betty & George Poliahu, Ocean Unlimited LLC-Dane Kealoha, Patrick and Liz Kanekoa, Carl Slack Jr., Raymond Iwamoto, June & George Gibo, Dorothy Chong, Jodi Bello, Charles & Julia Naumu, Harmony & Jason Faga, Aamon & Angie Kaonohi, Godfrey & Cathy Kaonohi, Loia & Cindy Fiaui, Jr. & Kat Bird, Willie & Deanie Frost, Bill & Charlotte Fuller, Jean & Alaka'i Gomez, Leo & Colleen Everett, Kurt Tsuneyoshi, Lee & Moani Fields, Diane Hirata, Jimboy & Dodo Kaonohi, Steve & Wendy Laulu, Chris & Channy Tuitele, Bert & Judith Miyamoto, Marshall & Julianne Ito, Joy & Walter Inouye, Andrew & Laura Dang, Chuck & Ulu Davis, Janette Fujino, Kevin & Robyn Chong, Lance & Silina Aina, Chelley Fraticelli, Sauilemau & Christa Maene, Robin McAlister, George & Ellen White, Leina'ala Ho, Michele Ikeda, Reid & Noelle Hasegawa, Len & Betty Chow, Tracy Smith, Naomi Wilkinson, Roma & Shaela Tuaoa, Lakai Wolfgramm, Jarren Soon, Mamo & Bim, Kaleo & Jolie Kaae, Luika & Ekolu Kelley, Kainoa Kaumehiwa-Rego & Tania Cortez-Cameo, Donald Halkowski & Sarah Nagata, Kennydene Kodama, Cinda's Nails, Leilani Maunkea, Kristen Slayden & Michi Kahawai

There are others and as soon as I update my list I will update the blog.

We would also like to thank those who contributed in other ways: First and foremost, Mento Mele, Kaneala Makainai & Mailani Makainai for without them the fundraiser would not have been possible.

Adrian Kamali'i, Island 98.5, The Shack Waikiki, Olelo T.V., KHON, Leis by Ron, Watanabe Floral, Pua Melia Lei Stand, Sophia's Lei Stand, Big Island Cookies, MobiPCS - Alisa Onishi, Manuheali'i, Dial Electric Inc., Ihilani Resort & Spa-Punkin Hunkin, Mariott Resort & Spa, Art Lo, Holiday Inn Waikiki, Luana Hills Country Club-Darin Sumimoto, Mamo Howell, Pacific Beach Hotel, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Red Lobster, Frank Cuce-NFL Properties, Cookie Kawelo, Isaiah & Jessica Frost, Todd & Corie Poliahu, Hoku & Kyle Kalama, Vasi Wolfgramm, Tropical Ocean Sports, Roy Vierra-RV's Ocean Sports, The Henry Kapono Store, HIC, Local Motion, Maohi & Tapu Clothing, Makainai Cabinets, I Deliver Style, Pamalu, All In Clothing, Lani Jennings, Pictures Plus Ward Center, Jackie Rojas, Hiki No Clothing, Jamie Hyatt

To All the Bands that gave of their time, much Love and Aloha go out to you all. Words can not express the love we have for you, for taking your precious time and donating it to a wonderful aevent. May the Lord bless you in all of your future endeavors-

Ten Feet, Kawao, Koa'uka, B.E.T., Keahiwai, Mighty J, Soulfree, Na Wai, Natural Vibes, Fab 4, Hawaiian Time, Ilona Irvine, Ka Nalo, Vaihi, Milo Shade, Da Girlas and She Rock.

I have to let you know that when toni was watching the DVD from the fundraiser, she could not believe the out pour of love that everyone showed for her. She was amazed at how packed it was and was wishing she could've been there. She was rockin' out to your music and getting so excited that we had to take a break from watching it so she could calm down, but all she could say was THANK YOU and RIGHT ON!!! So from the mouth of Toni, "you guys are RIGHT ON!!!"

I am sorry if I left anyone out, but I will update these mahalo's as soon as I update my hardcopy.

Mahalo again from our family. May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, remember cherish those you love for you never know when you won't have them near.

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana,
Kristy and Ohana

Our Sister fighting and getting stronger and stronger. Thank you to all those for your prayers, Heavenly Father has surely answered your plea! He has kept her here to strengthen her testimony and the testimony of others. She is definitely our inspiration and the rock that keeps us firm in our beliefs of our Lord and Savior's gospel. She is a living testament of his love for us all and he has a great plan for each of us, whether here or home with him. Toni was chosen to continue his fight here on earth and she continues to amaze us with the progress that she has accomplished. Toni will one day soon, sing her way into the hearts and homes of those lost sheep that she was kept here on earth to bring back home. Her Father in Heaven is indeed happy with her and her fight for good.

She has indeed strengthened our faith and testimonies. We, in return are truly thankful for our family, friends and those who have been touched by our sisters sweet spirit.

There is a video slideshow that we posted on youtube to show Toni's progress. It'll just take a moment of your time, go to youtube and enter toni kaonohi and it'll take you to her slideshow. Mahalo and Aloha, The Kaonohi Ohana

This is toots on her mission. She was so happy here, she loved to serve her brothers and sisters in Wisconsin.

I got to talk to her yesterday, although she can't say much, she told me hi and then she said my son's name, Coby. She wanted to know how he was doing. She is starting to walk around and sit up longer. She is always smiling, laughing and always in good spirits.

She wants to go home and get out of the hospital. She is so funny, she pau with the whole hopsital thing. She is always telling Kaulana or mom and dad that it's time for her to get out of the hospital. Well for those of you who know Toni, she is still the same hilarious twinkle eyed girl. Her and Kaulana argue constantly, what good is a sister if you can't argue with her. Her siblings and parents take shifts being with her at the hospital. Like this morning, Kaulana helped her with her bath. Put her shirt and shorts on (kailua surfrider shirt, yup! yup!) put her pua in her ear and lipstick on her lips and she was good to go. She loves getting ready in the morning, it starts the day off right. She kind of sikes herself out for what is coming next, REHAB, and lots of it. She gets exhausted, so she takes a little nap in between each session, gets up and goes, goes, goes!

She is an example to me of determination, faith, patience and the pure love of Christ. She may be our little sister, but she is our shinging light in this dark world. We love her and know that she will not give up or give in to weakness, she will continue to push herself so that she may be able to stand and bear witness of the fullness of this gospel and how she is so blessed to remain on this earth with the family that she loves so dearly.

Benefit Ho'olaule'a for Toni

Mele Apana Producation &

The Friends and Family of Toni K Kaonohi

presents

The Benefit Ho'olaule'a for Toni

Saturday, November 1st

5pm - 2am

The Shack Waikiki (The Waikiki Trade Center)

Get your tickets now - $17

At all HIC locations & The Shack Waikiki

$20 at the door $3 parking validation

Keiki 5 and under free

Donations are appreciated:

"Friends of Toni K Kaonohi"

c/o 45-563 Kukane St.

Kaneohe, Hi 96744

Checks payable to: Friends of Toni K Kaonohi

Featured Entertainment includes some of Hawaii's Best:

Ten Feet, Natural Vibes, B.E.T., Kawao, Koa'uka, Ka Nalo, Soulfree,

Na Wai, Keahiwai, Hawaiian Time, Milo Shade, Vaihi, Mighty J,

Da Girlaz, Fab 4 and many More!

Music by DJ AON

Hosted by Mento Mele

*Door Prizes *Raffle *Silent Auction *Ono Food

friendsoftonikkaonohi@hotmail.com for more information

Here is an update of Toni's progress. Her daily rehab is intense, she is always exhausted. They got her trying to walk, she sits up on her own and is moving her right side a lot better. She still can not hold a conversation, but she can say daddy and hale (her brother). Every time she hears music she starts to dance. She loves being around her siblings and most of all her parents. Toni's hair is now short, yes I said "IT'S SHORT!", but she loves it. She always has a flower in her ear, thanks to Kaulana and Mom and earrings of course, can't forget that. Besides the obvious, Toni is still her happy smiling self and having a big old smile on her face and silenty laughing. Her eyes always light up when her little joys come in the room (niece and nephew). They meant the world to her and still do. There's one little guy that she is anxious to meet and that is coby her nephew. She will get her chance in November when Coby and I fly up to be with her and the family for a couple weeks. Can't wait, so excited!!!! Well stay tuned, until next time, May God Bless you all and may you all have a good week.

Kristy

Toni Keanuenueokalani Kaonohi was born on December 2, 1982 to Leighton and Beatrice Kaonohi. Toni was always a happy go lucky child who always had a smile on her face. Toni loved to perform whether it be in a play or dancing and singing for her family. Toni was a JPO at Kapunahala Elementary where she attended all 7 years. That is where her love for acting began. She starred in 3 plays put on by the school and from there she began performing for Mr. Ronald Bright at Castle High School. One of her performances, Oklahoma, took her and her drama squad to New York, Virginia and North Carolina. Her performances for Mr. Bright continued until she graduated. While she was at Castle High School, she was an active participant in her music class performances, where she played the ukulele, sang, danced hula and MC’d most of their performances. Toni auditioned for the Brown Bags to Stardom during her junior and senior years and achieved first place within her high school and came in second place island wide. When Toni graduated she attended Windward Community College, majoring in Psychology. She worked at the Marimed Foundation, where she was a youth counselor working with troubled youth. She loved what she did there and would go above and beyond her calling.

Toni also held many positions within her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a primary teacher, teaching the 7&8 year olds and also the 11 year olds. After that she attended a ward for single adults where she was the choir leader, chorister, activities leader and ward missionary.
Her music career began with SoulFree where she was a backup singer with her sister Kaulana and cousin Mailani. She also debut on albums such as Keahiwai, Vaihi, and Kani Makou. She loved to sing, that was her passion. Toni sang a lot in church and was requested by many of the wards on the island to do special musical numbers in their sacrament services. Toni had written eight original tracks that she recorded with her cousin Aaron Kaonohi from Vaihi, for her CD that she was working on.
While pursuing this music career Toni was working at Life Foundation as the Volunteer Coordinator and Operations Manager. Life Foundation works with families and single people who have HIV/AIDS and assist them with their daily living situation. She loved recruiting volunteers to work in the office, help serve meals, work at their annual AIDS walk and other activities that was held in the community. People loved to work with her, because she was so full of life and was always nice to everyone no matter how you treated her, what walk of life you came from or what choices you have made, Toni treated everyone the same and always with love.
Then after much fasting and prayer, she received a personal revelation to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She had always wanted to be a missionary and because of her love for the gospel and her faith in our savior Jesus Christ, she took the opportunity to share it with others. She was called to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mission on May of 2007. She served throughout the state and in the upper part of Michigan. Families in her mission call and write to us saying what a wonderful and special person she is. She would befriend anyone that she would come in contact with. She is the kind of person that wouldn’t hold grudges and would brush it off and go on with life. She enjoyed being with people and sharing her talents. She never put herself above others and her family always came first, especially her nieces and nephews who are the lights of her life. She always cared for others, even if it left her with nomoney at the end of the day, it was okay cause she was able to help someone in need. Toni has the biggest heart and is so selfless. In words, I cannot express how special she is. Even in times of physical trial and pain she still wore a smile on her face. She had suffered with migraines and anemia and countless other ailments, but kept living life to the fullest, never complaining. For the past 4 months Toni has been suffering with bad migraines, but kept on working hard as a missionary for the lord. Her migraines left her tired, nauseous and slurred her vision and speech. So on the 19th of August the pain had grown so intense that she was rushed to the E.R. where a helicopter awaited to take her to the University of Wisconsin Medical Hospital. Upon arrival she had a CT scan done where they found swelling in her brain and then was taken to have a MRI done where they found a large tumor sitting on the top left side of her brain. The doctor said it would be a risky surgery being that her tumor was covered with tiny blood vessels.Well, her surgery took 10 hours and while in recovery her brain started to swell pushing the left side onto the right, making it swell even larger. They then took her back into the operating room, where a piece of skull was removed to alleviate the pressure within her brain. When she came out of the operating room the surgeon put her into an induced coma where she’s been for the past three weeks. During this time she had numerous infections, a stroke and other complications. They slowly reduced the medication to gradually bring her out of her coma. On September 5th she was able to open her eyes and has been able to follow people with her eyes and move her left pointer finger as if she was conducting music. Her recovery is a day to day process. Her doctors can not say for sure how long recovery will take and what senses and functions she will regain. She had to have a tracheotomy done and had a shunt placed in her brain to help it drain, because it won’t drain on it’s own. She will live with this shunt in her brain and be on seizure medication and numerous others for the rest of her life. Here is a girl who was so full of life and here she is fighting for it now. A prophet of the lord once proclaimed “I will go and do the things which the lord had commanded for I know that the lord give no commandment unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them, that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” Toni emulates the message of this scripture by living her life in accordance to our Heavenly Father’s plan and believing that the Lord will help her accomplish anything placed in front of her, whether trial or tribulation.

It's been six weeks since this whole ordeal began. She has been transported to Dixie Medical in St. George, Utah where her parents reside. Each new day is another obstacle, but she presses forward, always doing what her doctor's and therapist ask from her. She is not a quitter, she's a fighter and she always overcomes all trial that are place before her. So we her family are confident that she will pull through this, it's not going to be tomorrow or a month from now, but she will stand on her own and sing her heart out. She will be able to sing again and warm the hearts of those who listen. She is our little sister, cousin, friend, and a fighter and will get through this, but not without the help of family and friends. So we thank you all who contribute in any way possible and lend your support for our family and our beloved sister. Mahalo