Nurse needs help with medical bills
By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Staff Writer
Rozlynne Velasco has so many things she wants to do in life: Record a compact disc. Ride her quad across untamed Big Island terrain. Testify to the boundless love of God.
Those things are on hold for now as the 26-year-old nurse, who last year was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, awaits a bone marrow transplant. Dr. Niro Rajdev, a Hilo oncologist, has referred the Kea'au, Hawai'i, woman to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, where the transplant is scheduled in about two weeks.
Velasco
But this is her second trip to Seattle, and her medical insurance won't cover a lot of the up-front charges she expects to encounter during her nearly four-month stay. That's why friends and family are asking for donations in hopes of raising emergency financial assistance of up to $50,000.
"At this point it's really scary for us," said Julie Ann Deguair, Velasco's mom, a single parent who cares for 10 children, a combination of foster and natural kids, Velasco being the oldest.
"She's sweet, giving and kind-hearted," said Deguair, who will be donating her marrow to Velasco. "She's all those things and more. Everybody loves Rozlynne. She's my best friend and I really need her."
Velasco does volunteer work with the Imua Puna Keiki Playgroup, a program that teaches families the importance of parent-child interactions. She also volunteers at her church, Living Waters Assembly of God. But she's had to give up her nursing position because of the disease.
While her mom is stressing out about her daughter's predicament, Velasco is meeting the pain head on — with a smile.
"Even if it's the worst day of my life, I'll keep on smiling. I've got to be positive," Velasco said.
Donations can go to "Living Waters Assembly of God, 89 Maikai St. Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 Attention: Rozlynne" or "HC- 1 Box 4608 Kea'au, Hawai'i Attention: Rozlynne."
Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.
