The Lokahi Giving project is celebrating 25 years of helping Hawaii's struggling families.
Often times, it's a health problem that can send a family into a financial tailspin.
43-year old Bernadette is one of about a thousand Hawaii women diagnosed with breast cancer this year. In January, she was told that she had stage 3 breast cancer, requiring rigorous chemo and radiation therapy.
"After the treatment, I would like throw up maybe three days straight...no appetite four days straight," said Bernadette.
Since January, Bernadette lost more than 30 pounds, had a mastectomy, and lost all her hair.
"I actually had a lot of hair so this the first time I don't have any hair at all," she said.
Bernadette completed treatment in September and says she is slowly regaining her strength.
The family, however, is still reeling from the financial impacts of her illness.
Bernadette's husband works fulltime, covering the family's most basic household expenses.
But there is nothing left over for any extras, like gifts during the holidays.
Aside from mom's TDI, this proud family receives no state or federal assistance and Bernadette admits it was difficult to swallow that pride to ask Lokahi for help.
"We don't want people to feel sorry for us but just to let them know that there are people out there that are struggling. And some have it easy, some don't. For us, this year was pretty rough," she said.
If you're able to help this family, here is their wishlist:
All kids could use clothes and shoes for school. The girls would also appreciate makeup and a flat iron for their hair. Mom and dad aren't asking for anything for themselves, but after some pressing, admit they could really use a new refrigerator. The one they have now leaks water, and doesn't keep the food cold .
