A fun run Sunday is the first of three fundraisers to benefit a boy battling health issues. Pa‘akamana’o Matiu Lee was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome along with other organ and cardiovascular abnormalities that will need lifelong monitoring and
A fun run Sunday is the first of three fundraisers to benefit a boy battling health issues.
Pa‘akamana’o Matiu Lee was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome along with other organ and cardiovascular abnormalities that will need lifelong monitoring and repair.
His condition was undetected before birth and his family was shocked to find out something was wrong 14 hours after he was born. He has had eight surgeries since birth and they are preparing for his third open-heart surgery in San Diego this month.
In order to help offset medical and travel expenses, friends of this courageous boy have organized fundraising events in hopes of raising $20,000.
Sundey Dillberg, owner of O.F.F. Studio in the Kukui’ula Shopping Center, is organizing the Run For Pa‘a at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. Last year, over 350 community members, visitors and family showed their support by running in the 5K that raised over $7,000.
“The generosity and outpouring of community and visitor support last year was overwhelming,” Dillberg said. “We hope to have similar success this year and have already received a number of prizes and financial support from local area businesses.”
The route will take runners from Kukuiula Shopping Center up to the intersection of Koloa Road and back. Participants will be greeted with donated beverages, snacks and fellowship upon their return. The entry for the run is simply a donation, with additional funds being raised from a lucky drawing and T-shirt sales.
The run will be followed by a luau for Pa‘a at Poipu Beach Park. Hawaiian cultural activities will be provided for all who attend and Hawaiian Plate lunches, a bake sale, and lucky drawing sales will help to raise funds as well. It will also be a “See you Soon” party for Pa‘a, as their family leaves the following week.
Plantation Gardens is hosting Kokua for Pa‘a on Thursday, March 20, where a portion from each bill will be donated to Baby Pa‘a Lee. For reservations, call (808) 742-2121 or visit pgrestaurant.com.
For more information, or if you would like to make a donation for Baby Pa‘a Lee, visit www.prayforpaa.com.
