CIRA de CASTILLOTGI Staff Writer LIHU’E — Rick and Terri Echternacht, visitors from Austin, Tex., are living life to the fullest despite the disease that is threatening to claim Rick’s life. They’ll be leaving the island Tuesday evening, but before
CIRA de CASTILLOTGI Staff Writer
LIHU’E — Rick and Terri Echternacht, visitors from Austin, Tex., are living
life to the fullest despite the disease that is threatening to claim Rick’s
life.
They’ll be leaving the island Tuesday evening, but before they go
Rick has one wish. He wants to ride along the beach in a dune buggy, feel the
air, smell the ocean and see the horizon from a different vantage
point.
That doesn’t seem too much to ask, but the couple is still looking
for a vehicle. Anyone able to help Rick is asked to call the Holiday Inn at
823-6000, ext. 1215.
The couple married last November. Nine days later they
learned that Rick has a rapidly spreading form of brain cancer.
The tumor
has limited his speech and restricted his ability to get around without a
wheelchair, but his sense of humor and deep affection for his wife is as
strong as ever.
Terri said that traveling around the island in a wheelchair
has presented many challenges but they enjoy Poi’pu Beach and Lydgate Park
which are ADA accessible. Rick snorkeled at Lydgate using equipment donated by
Snorkel Bob’s and was happy to get a chance to be in the ocean, one of his last
wishes, his wife said.
Terri said they have been touched by the compassion
and spirit of the people of Kaua’i, like Ron Willey of KONG radio who put
Rick’s wish for a beach ride on his morning radio show.
Whatever happens,
Terri said, they will leave Kaua’i filled with aloha and cherished memories
of a very special honeymoon.
