Two year old Jasmine may look like your ordinary, active, fun loving, toddler. But she has experienced more health problems than many of us will know in a lifetime. It all started when she was four months old and came down with pneumonia. She was later diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that requires her to receive nutrition through a feeding tube. She has spent much of her life in and out of the hospital. Jasmine is the middle child of this close knit ohana. Mom and dad lived on Maui for more than 20 years. They recently moved to Oahu so Jasmine could receive specialized care. The move was tough for this family, both emotionally and financially.
"In Maui, I had a good job over there and every time we always get good, extra money but over here, it's real different from Maui," said Jasmine's father, Matthew
Dad used to work at a trucking company. Today, he works the overnight shift at 7-11. His pay was drastically cut. Mom works the overnight shift at Burger King. Their live-in niece watches the three children, ages 1, 2 and 4, at night.
The only assistance this family receives is a stipend for Jasmine's disability.
They use this money to buy the only food Jasmine's allowed to have a special formula which she gets through her feeding tube.
Dad says that Jasmine often cries when she sees the other kids eating ordinary food. But they say doctors are hopeful that in time, she will be able to eat normally like her sister and brother.
If you'd like to help this family have a brighter Christmas, here is their wish list: For little sister, who will be 2 next week, a stuffed animal. For Jasmine, who will be turning three on Christmas Eve, a doll or Barbie. For the only son, who will be five on Dec. 23rd, a car or dinosaur. Mom would appreciate new walking shoes for work and dad. Well, he isn't asking for anything for himself, just a birthday party for his kids.
"They never had a Christmas or birthday the last two years cause she was sick."
If you'd like to help this family, contact Lokahi at #685-7722.
