Photos from our 3rd Annual Lei of Remembrance ALS Memorial at the State Capitol

How do we remember?

      There is a reason we set aside a day for remembering our dead. Perhaps because they never really left, and, even if they are no longer in flesh and blood, they are always with us in Other ways.

      Today, we remember those among us who passed away after living with the horrible disease, ALS.  Inspired by our kahunas, we start our ceremony with an oli, before embarking on our sacred undertaking. In the tradition of our aina, we string a lei of orchid blooms for every name that is proclaimed.  In solemnity, we invoke memories of our loved ones – in our hearts and minds. We end with a prayer – for God to bless our resolve to continue to care for those who are still with us and those that will come after them.

      Then, in friendship and fellowship, we partake of Providence in breaking bread together.

      We were meant to remember.

      How can we ever forget?

Picking Up Where I Left Off

Oahu now has three ADDITIONAL ALS neuro-specialists! Isn't that something?

First, there was Dr. Kevin Kimata whom we have known of out of the MDA Clinic when it was held at Castle Memorial in Kailua.  He is the first of the bunch and we have heard nothing but the best of him as a practitioner.

Then, two years ago, the MDA clinic moved from Castle Memorial Hospital to its present location at Queen's Medical Center outpatient clinic. Dr. Doug Miles became its clinic director. A very soft-spoken, thoughtful man, and knowledgeable doctor. Loving husband to Alison and papa to two young daughters.

The ALSA-Golden West Chapter out of Agoura Hills, CA opened its ALS Clinic doors at Kuakini Hospital a few months back and started seeing patients every second Wednesday of the month. Dr. Hirota, clinic director. I have yet to meet the guy but anyone backed by Terryn and Kahala, must be exceptional.

Recently, the Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Center (HPNC) on the first floor of St. Francis-Liliha announced that Dr. Irisa Devine was joining their specialist staff out of Mayo Clinic as its expert on pediatric neurology and neuromuscular disorders. HPNC also has a geriatrician and palliative care specialist in the person of Dr. Pat Borman. I know her personally because she takes care of my 81-year old who has vascular dementia. 

Aren't we all lucky we live Hawaii, where at one time, there were none.