Dee Tea is a 26-year-old female with mild intellectual disability and diabetes. She resides with a caregiver and her family in Lihu‘e.
Dee enjoys listening to music and surfing the internet. Her goal is to one day live independently. She currently attends the Adult Day Health Program to increase her independence skills and personal assistance to support her healthy living. The request is for any financial assistance to keep supporting her healthy living of exercising regularly at a gym.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help.
The Christmas Fund is an avenue for everyone to provide that assistance. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families and individuals through social-service agencies.
Each donation is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrative costs involved, and money goes directly to provide for those in need of Christmas presents and groceries.
If you hold a fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word.
Anyone making a donation of $150 or more can have their picture published in TGI.
Donations may be made by way of the website, Zonta-Kauai.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766.
• Barbie Goo is a 29-year-old female who is intellectually disabled with vision concerns, requires a g-tube and tracheostomy. She currently resides with her parents, aunties and uncle in Hanama‘ulu.
Barbie’s mother/primary caretaker is limited in caring for Barbie. Barbie has many health conditions which require skilled nursing services. A personal assistance habilitation worker also works on her goals to increase her independence.
Barbie is non-verbal due to her tracheostomy, which therefore limits her communication with others. The request is for funding to assist Barbie and her family with living expenses.
• Nia Bop is a 9-year-old female who is intellectually disabled and requires the use of a g-tube and wheelchair. She resides with her parents and siblings in Lihu‘e and is currently attending Wilcox Elementary.
She has a direct service worker who works on her goals to increase her independence. One of her goals is to be able to increase her mobility. The request is for financial assistance to make her home environment more accessible as well as have the appropriate tools to increase her muscle strength.
