12/14/2024
We are Team Nichole from Hilo, Hawai`i! And our connection with American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) happened after we lost our Daughter; Sister; Mother; Spouse; Aunty; Niece; Cousin and Friend to Glioblastoma on January 25, 2016.
Our `Ohana (Family) decided to put on Nichole’s Fight Against Time 5K Walk/Run family fun day in Memory of Nichole. While Nichole was going through her fight, we realized how little our resources were here in Hawai`i. Being that we are the first family in the State of Hawai`i to bring awareness to this disease, which is both humbling and challenging.
Although many here in our community are diagnosed with Glioblastoma, most people here aren’t aware of this disease until they are faced with a diagnoses that changes one’s life forever!
Our first event was held on February 25, 2017. Although our `Ohana didn’t have any experience with putting on an event like this, the ABTA was by our side each step of the way, helping us however they could.
Our event starts off with a walk/run, which is then followed by a family fun day that includes live music, food, keiki (children) games, and craft vendors. Going through the process of getting everything done prior to the event is always very nerve-racking but rewarding at the same time. We always keep focus on why we are doing this event in the first place; Our Beloved Nichole. Even though she did not have a say in her diagnoses or the outcome of this disease, we as her `Ohana will continue to be her voice in hosting this event for many years to come. Our goal is to help bring awareness as well as to raise funds with the hope of one day finding a cure. Not only is our fight for Nichole, but we are fighting for her three daughters as well as the many others that are faced with the diagnosis of this dreadful disease; Glioblastoma.
Stay tuned for more info on our upcoming event on May 10th, 2025, at Kea’au Shipman Park 8AM-10AM Walk/Run 10AM-4PM Event & Activities to follow
