Advertiser Christmas Fund
Ex-addict, abused wife reclaims life
| • | Recent donations |
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By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
"D.W." and her two young daughters moved into a public housing unit last year on Christmas Day. It was a positive step forward for a recovering drug addict, who has been clean and sober since 1997.
"When you look at my house, everything I have is second-hand, borrowed or has been given to me," D.W. said. "But I feel blessed. We're not sleeping on the floor or hungry. God pretty much has provided for us."
D.W., 30, became a mother at 15. Her first child is living on the Mainland. At 18, she married a military man, and they have two daughters, ages 10 and 9. The couple moved to San Jose, Calif., where they became hooked on "crank." Drug use contributed to physical abuse in the marriage and eventual separation.
"He has a construction business now and we're friends and parents who are trying to work things out," said D.W., who earned a general equivalency diploma and certificate in nursing after returning to Hawai'i.
Although she has managed to stay off drugs, D.W. began experiencing other problems. "I suffer from bipolar disorder that causes me to have very low lows and sometimes high highs," she said. "I've done stuff like buy a new car and return it because of it."
How to make a donation
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Checks made payable to The Advertiser Christmas Fund should be mailed to
Helping Hands Hawai'i
P.O. Box 19155
Honolulu, HI 96817
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Donations may also be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch.
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Anyone wishing to donate goods instead of money can do so at the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway near Pu'uhale Street. For details, call 536-7234.
Medication keeps the condition under control. She also suffers from posttraumatic stress syndrome. "In my episodes of depression, you just don't want to do anything but give up," she said. "But I'm getting better."
A thyroid problem that is also under control contributed to her emotional disabilities.
The good news is that D.W. recently received medical clearance to return to work as a certified nurse's assistant after being on leave for seven months.
D.W. would like bicycles for herself and two daughters. She could also use a sewing machine to make clothes.
Recent donations
In memory of David Garliepp and Billy Gibson Garliepp $25
In memory of Frances M. Wood 10
In loving memory of Frank J.K. Perkins 75
In loving memory of our daughter, Laurel Au Muneoka 100
"Memory of Yeiko Tokairin" 100
In honor of our good neighbor, Beth Bell 50
The Maier Family 25
Juanita Zeiler 25
Brent Sakurai 25
Mae G. DeRego 25
Diane K. Tamanaha 25
Darryl H.W. Johnston 25
Angeline Tavares 25
Ruth G. Rand 25
Annie C. Kau 25
Charles KHL Soon 25
Karl H. Scholl 40
Jane Kerns 50
Toshiko Fukuda 100
Fe S. Balason 100
Virginia P. Ballie 100
Linda K. Kreis 100
Evelyn Jean Gerner 100
Flodell & Ira Bailey 100
Marjorie J. Ihle 500
Anonymous 100
Anonymous 100
Anonymous 200
Total $2,200
Grand total $10,955
Previous stories
• Monday, Dec. 3: Disabled man seeks toy for grandson
• Sunday, Dec. 2: Ailing son left family buried in bills
• Saturday, Dec. 1: Woman says seventh child is chance to be good parent
• Friday, Nov. 30: With its breadwinner laid off, family requests help for first time
• Thursday, Nov. 29: Pacific immigrants struggle to stay here
• Wednesday, Nov. 28: Couple forgo gifts, except for two keiki's
• Tuesday, Nov. 27: Child's grave needs headstone
• Monday, Nov. 26: Security officer, six children have to eat on floor
• Sunday, Nov. 25: Holiday assistance badly needed this year
