ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Progress
  • Sign up
  • |
  • Login
  • |
  • Find local services
  • |
  • |

 

Aloha and Mahalo to the Dedicated Supporters of the
2nd Annual Hawaii Walk To Defeat ALS!

Waikiki, HI - September 6, 2014

The 2nd Annual Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS, held at the picturesque Kapiolani Region Park in Honolulu, was a beautiful day filled with hope, inspiration and actionon the fight to defeat ALS. An estimated 425 registered Walkers have raised $87,608.59  in support of the ALS community in Hawaii. 

"Words cannot express the immense feeling of gratitude that I felt while looking out at the sea of participants," said Victoria “Nohea” Nakaahiki, Golden West Chapter Advisory Trustee and co-founder of the Hawaii Walk.  "A year ago, our very first Walk in Hawaii was amazing for so many reasons.  But, this year’s walk was phenomenal on every level! In talking with the many people with ALS and their loved ones, I felt their genuine excitement as they shared experiences in receivingexpanded services and support over the last year."

"Mahalo to our many friends any family who have so generously supported the Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS," said Joanne "Cookie" Fujio, Golden West Chapter Advisory Trustee and one of the organizers of the Hawaii Walk. "We are especially grateful to our Walkers and volunteers. Last year’s walk resulted in the hiring of Care Manager Terryn Davis who provides on the ground support to Hawaii’s ALS families. This year’s monies will be used to continue the work and create Hawaii’s 1st ALS multi-disciplinary clinic slated to open on Kauai. We could not have gotten this far in this short year without you!"

Kahu Wendall Davis' captivating Opening Pule, or blessing, followed by a welcome presentation, set the stage for a special day in support of the fight to defeat ALS. Kauai's Mayor Carvalho continued the sentiment with his message to "motivate, educate and defeat" ALS and performed an  endearing rendition of the Josh Groban song "You Raise Me Up".

Special guest Alex O'Loughlin, who plays Steve McGarrett on the hit CBS show Hawaii Five-0, was also on hand to offer support  in the fight to defeat ALS. He offered Walkers and all those in attendance words of encouragement and inspiration. "It is incredible to me that, after this many years, we still don't have any answers yet- but we need an answer now," he said. "This is something that has touched me and my family on a very deep level and it is something that I care about very much."

Steve Gibson, Chief Public Policy Officer of The ALS Association spoke with the group about the importance of the National ALS Registry. The ALS Registry is one of the largest ALS research projects ever created; it is designed to identify people with ALS across the U.S. in order to understand the causes of the disease so that scientists might be able to target therapies and a cure for ALS.  The ALS Association led efforts to establish the ALS Registry, working with Congress to enact the ALS Registry Act and securing federal funding to design, build and implement the National ALS Registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR).

The group warmed up courtesy of certified personal trainer Ky Vuong and enjoyed a stirring rally at the starting line by the Kahaku High School Football team. The fun and excitement of the day was apparent by the many smiling faces of the participants. As they crossed the finish line, Walkers were treated to special entertainment from Halau Kuu Wa Hula with Kumu Linda Nakamura of Waipahu, Rolando Sanchez and the wonderful percussion ensemble.

Also at this year's Walk was a new Golden West Chapter Advisory Trustee Lucy Wedemeyer, the surviving spouse of Hawaii's own legendary football coach, Charlie Wedemeyer. "The Hawaii Walk was truly a wonderful experience and a blessing to so many families," she said. "It was energizing and everyone was talking about how we can make it even better next year! Karen Fujii's Hula Halau added such a beautiful element of joy to the day!"

We wish to extend a special mahalo to our amazing emcee, Billy V. from Hawaiian 105 KINE Radio. Events like the Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS are only made possible by the hard work and dedication of the Golden West Chapter volunteer leadership on the board and walk committee, which includes Victorialei "Nohea" Nakaahiki, Joanne "Cookie" Fujio, Lucy Wedemeyer, Jan Medusky, Sue Morris, Susan Tanzman and Cherryl Williams, as well as other awesome walk committee members, volunteers, and Walkers.

Without supporters like you, an event like this isn't possible. Mahalo nui loa!

2014 Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS

(L-R) Kauai's Mayor Carvalho, Joanne "Cookie" Fujio, Hawaii Five-0's Alex O'Loughlin, Lucy Wedemeyer, Hawaiian105 KINE Radio's Billy V.

2nd Hawaii Commitee

Walk Committee and Supporters- (L-R) Roberta Murray, Lucy Wedemeyer, Victoria “Nohea” Nakaahiki, Alex O'Loughlin, Nicole Borst and Joanne "Cookie" Fujio

Brookelyn's Squad

Brookelyn's Squad 2014

Halau Kuu Wa Hula (My Hula days) with Kumu

 

Halau Kuu Wa Hula (My Hula Days) with Kumu Linda Nakamura of Waipahu

Alex O'Loughlin Talking With Hawaii Walk Participant
Paul Gagnon, who has been living with ALS, is talking with Natalie Jones and Alex O'Loughlin


 Please visit our Flickr  page
to view more photos!
btn_flickr

Media Highlights

KITV- Karen Fuji talks about the
Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS

 

The 2nd Annual Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS was covered by a number of local and regional media outlets including the Honolulu Star Advertiser, Honolulu Public Radio and Pulse.

Below is a sampling of some of the inteviews and articles. Additional Hawaii Walk and Ice Bucket Challenge press can be found here.

Hawaii News Now's Ramsay Wharton takes on ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
September 11, 2014

Pacific Business News - 'Hawaii Five-O actor joins hundreds at Honolulu ALS Walk
September 9, 2014

The Garden Island - Broke Da ALS Raises $15K
September 8, 2014

Honolulu Star Advertiser - O'Loughlin joins hundreds at ALS walk
September 7, 2014

Honolulu Public Radio/Town Square: ALS fundraising campaign gone viral
September 4, 2014

Pulse/Honolulu Star Advertiser - O'Loughlin to participate in ALS benefit
September 4, 2014

Honolulu Star Advertiser - ALS support slowly gains in isles
September 4, 2014

 

"The impact of your efforts is felt throughout the entire ALS community," said Thomas. "As a Chapter of the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS on all fronts, we give help and hope to those facing a devastating disease. Every year, we are able to invest millions of dollars in research conducted by the best and brightest scientists in the world. Each day, through our care services, advocacy, education and support, we help empower people facing ALS and their families to live fuller lives."

"On behalf of The ALS Association, the Ride Committee and the families we serve, thank you for your commitment and continued support," said Thomas.

Aloha and Mahalo to the Dedicated Supporters of the
2nd Annual Hawaii Walk To Defeat ALS!

Waikiki, HI - September 6, 2014

The 2nd Annual Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS, held at the picturesque Kapiolani Region Park in Honolulu, was a beautiful day filled with hope, inspiration and actionon the fight to defeat ALS. An estimated 425 registered Walkers have raised $87,608.59  in support of the ALS community in Hawaii. 

"Words cannot express the immense feeling of gratitude that I felt while looking out at the sea of participants," said Victoria “Nohea” Nakaahiki, Golden West Chapter Advisory Trustee and co-founder of the Hawaii Walk.  "A year ago, our very first Walk in Hawaii was amazing for so many reasons.  But, this year’s walk was phenomenal on every level! In talking with the many people with ALS and their loved ones, I felt their genuine excitement as they shared experiences in receivingexpanded services and support over the last year."

"Mahalo to our many friends any family who have so generously supported the Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS," said Joanne "Cookie" Fujio, Golden West Chapter Advisory Trustee and one of the organizers of the Hawaii Walk. "We are especially grateful to our Walkers and volunteers. Last year’s walk resulted in the hiring of Care Manager Terryn Davis who provides on the ground support to Hawaii’s ALS families. This year’s monies will be used to continue the work and create Hawaii’s 1st ALS multi-disciplinary clinic slated to open on Kauai. We could not have gotten this far in this short year without you!"

Kahu Wendall Davis' captivating Opening Pule, or blessing, followed by a welcome presentation, set the stage for a special day in support of the fight to defeat ALS. Kauai's Mayor Carvalho continued the sentiment with his message to "motivate, educate and defeat" ALS and performed an  endearing rendition of the Josh Groban song "You Raise Me Up".

Special guest Alex O'Loughlin, who plays Steve McGarrett on the hit CBS show Hawaii Five-0, was also on hand to offer support  in the fight to defeat ALS. He offered Walkers and all those in attendance words of encouragement and inspiration. "It is incredible to me that, after this many years, we still don't have any answers yet- but we need an answer now," he said. "This is something that has touched me and my family on a very deep level and it is something that I care about very much."

Steve Gibson, Chief Public Policy Officer of The ALS Association spoke with the group about the importance of the National ALS Registry. The ALS Registry is one of the largest ALS research projects ever created; it is designed to identify people with ALS across the U.S. in order to understand the causes of the disease so that scientists might be able to target therapies and a cure for ALS.  The ALS Association led efforts to establish the ALS Registry, working with Congress to enact the ALS Registry Act and securing federal funding to design, build and implement the National ALS Registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR).

The group warmed up courtesy of certified personal trainer Ky Vuong and enjoyed a stirring rally at the starting line by the Kahaku High School Football team. The fun and excitement of the day was apparent by the many smiling faces of the participants. As they crossed the finish line, Walkers were treated to special entertainment from Halau Kuu Wa Hula with Kumu Linda Nakamura of Waipahu, Rolando Sanchez and the wonderful percussion ensemble.

Also at this year's Walk was a new Golden West Chapter Advisory Trustee Lucy Wedemeyer, the surviving spouse of Hawaii's own legendary football coach, Charlie Wedemeyer. "The Hawaii Walk was truly a wonderful experience and a blessing to so many families," she said. "It was energizing and everyone was talking about how we can make it even better next year! Karen Fujii's Hula Halau added such a beautiful element of joy to the day!"

We wish to extend a special mahalo to our amazing emcee, Billy V. from Hawaiian 105 KINE Radio. Events like the Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS are only made possible by the hard work and dedication of the Golden West Chapter volunteer leadership on the board and walk committee, which includes Victorialei "Nohea" Nakaahiki, Joanne "Cookie" Fujio, Lucy Wedemeyer, Jan Medusky, Sue Morris, Susan Tanzman and Cherryl Williams, as well as other awesome walk committee members, volunteers, and Walkers.

Without supporters like you, an event like this isn't possible. Mahalo nui loa!

2014 Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS

(L-R) Kauai's Mayor Carvalho, Joanne "Cookie" Fujio, Hawaii Five-0's Alex O'Loughlin, Lucy Wedemeyer, Hawaiian105 KINE Radio's Billy V.

2nd Hawaii Commitee

Walk Committee and Supporters- (L-R) Roberta Murray, Lucy Wedemeyer, Victoria “Nohea” Nakaahiki, Alex O'Loughlin, Nicole Borst and Joanne "Cookie" Fujio

Brookelyn's Squad

Brookelyn's Squad 2014

Halau Kuu Wa Hula (My Hula days) with Kumu

 

Halau Kuu Wa Hula (My Hula Days) with Kumu Linda Nakamura of Waipahu

Alex O'Loughlin Talking With Hawaii Walk Participant
Paul Gagnon, who has been living with ALS, is talking with Natalie Jones and Alex O'Loughlin


 Please visit our Flickr  page
to view more photos!
btn_flickr

Media Highlights

KITV- Karen Fuji talks about the
Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS

 

The 2nd Annual Hawaii Walk to Defeat ALS was covered by a number of local and regional media outlets including the Honolulu Star Advertiser, Honolulu Public Radio and Pulse.

Below is a sampling of some of the inteviews and articles. Additional Hawaii Walk and Ice Bucket Challenge press can be found here.

Hawaii News Now's Ramsay Wharton takes on ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
September 11, 2014

Pacific Business News - 'Hawaii Five-O actor joins hundreds at Honolulu ALS Walk
September 9, 2014

The Garden Island - Broke Da ALS Raises $15K
September 8, 2014

Honolulu Star Advertiser - O'Loughlin joins hundreds at ALS walk
September 7, 2014

Honolulu Public Radio/Town Square: ALS fundraising campaign gone viral
September 4, 2014

Pulse/Honolulu Star Advertiser - O'Loughlin to participate in ALS benefit
September 4, 2014

Honolulu Star Advertiser - ALS support slowly gains in isles
September 4, 2014

 

"The impact of your efforts is felt throughout the entire ALS community," said Thomas. "As a Chapter of the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS on all fronts, we give help and hope to those facing a devastating disease. Every year, we are able to invest millions of dollars in research conducted by the best and brightest scientists in the world. Each day, through our care services, advocacy, education and support, we help empower people facing ALS and their families to live fuller lives."

"On behalf of The ALS Association, the Ride Committee and the families we serve, thank you for your commitment and continued support," said Thomas.