Rebuilding Together

When Suzy and I posed for this photo in September, 2022, we could not imagine that nearly everything pictured would be so dramatically changed less than one year later.

Seven months ago, Suzy was hit by a car. And I’ve rearranged swaths of my own life to ensure Suzy has the daily support she needs and deserves. Even the silver bracelet on Suzy’s right arm is gone — cut in two by the medical team in the emergency department.

The photo itself was taken in Puamana, a community at the southern end of Lahaina in Maui. The trees in the background and much of the community behind them burned to the ground in the recent wild fires.

I look at this photo and feel heartbroken for everything in it that’s been lost. But the photo also inspires confidence that Lahaina will recover and rebuild.

And so will Suzy.

My optimism is fueled by all of your generosity and support. Though I can’t imagine our lives or Lahaina will ever be what they were when we posed for this photo, I know we can rely on you to help us build back to the joy and beauty captured in this image.

All of you on Team Suzy are appreciated tremendously! Mahalo nui loa.