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