ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Family needs builder to make home accessible
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
"M.U." is overjoyed that her 61-year-old mother, who has been hospitalized for 13 months, will be home for Christmas. But her family's single-story home is not wheelchair accessible.
"There are 12 steps (leading up to the front door) and she needs to go to dialysis three times a week and physical therapy three times a week so getting her in and out of the house is going to be difficult," M.U. said.
The family needs help to build a wheelchair ramp, install a lift in the home and modify a bathroom. The family cannot afford the work and has been unable to get financial assistance.
The materials to do the job, however, have already been donated, M.U. said.
Helping Hands Hawai'i Donations to the Christmas Fund can also be dropped off at First Hawaiian Bank branches statewide. To donate canned food or household goods, call the Helping Hands Hawai'i Community Clearinghouse at 536-7234.
"We just need somebody who can do the job," she said.
Mail checks payable to The Advertiser Christmas Fund to:
P.O. Box 19155
Honolulu, HI 96817
M.U.'s tight-knit family includes her two adult children, her 37-year-old brother and her 11-year-old nephew. Her father died in April 2001, seven months before her mother became ill. In March of this year, her mother suffered a setback when she hurt her back while in the hospital.
It has been a tough 13 months, emotionally and financially, for family members, but they're hanging tough, M.U. said. Building the ramp and remodeling the bathroom will greatly relieve the stress everyone is feeling right now, she added.
"Having mom home for the holidays is going to be a big cheer for everyone," said M.U., whose mother is scheduled to be released from the hospital within the next two weeks.
Anyone wishing to donate services to help M.U. and her family should call Helping Hands Hawai'i at 536-7234.
