^^Angel^^ Lanakila R. - Quilt Finished in 2007

Born: May 04, 2004 - December 13, 2007

Illness: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Lanakila R.'s Story

Written by Lanakila's grandma in 2007

Lanakila was born on May 4th,2004. He had such big fists for a little guy and he held them tightly shut, like he was ready for a fight. Always active and keeping everyone in the family running after him seemed to amaze him most.

On Aug. 3rd, 2007 Lanakila took a little vacation to Kauai with me and his papa.  I'll never forget on that trip he started to run a fever and constantly wanted to be carried.  He would sometimes complain that his arms and legs wore sore and would want me to "rub them but not massage" he would say.

We treated him with tylenol and the fever and pain would go away.  When we got back to Maui, Lanakila's fever would start up again periodically and his mom took him to the doctor after the third flare up.  The doctor thought he had a viral infection and wanted it to let it run it's course.  It wasn't till 2 weeks later of constant fever did the doctor decide to take a blood test.

The results of the test would show concern and Lanakila and family was sent packing to Kapiolani Women and Children Hospital where more test were taken and confirmed that Lanakila had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.  Our whole world has changed since that moment.  Lanakila has since been battling this cancer and yet he still tries to find whatever energy he has to keep us running. If not after him then running for him.

Lanakila means victory in the Hawaiian language.  Although his battle is long and tough we believer that our little fighter will be victorious in the end.