LAHAINA FIRE: A DEVASTATED FAMILY IN NEED

Many of our family members in Lahaina suffered devasting losses due to the recent fire. One family has lost everything and they need your support.

I write this on behalf of Nelda “Manang Nelda” Pagdilao, after hearing of the devasting loss of their home and her husband, my beloved cousin Pablo “Ceding” Anteola Pagdilao. This was an unimaginable loss. They had been married for 49 years. 

She recounted the day of the fire when she and her family were attempting to evacuate from their home, a house they have owned since 1978. During the evacuation, the family was separated, and she found herself alone with Ceding trying desperately to run from the raging fire. Unfortunately, Ceding, who was partially paralyzed on one side of his body found it difficult to run from the flames. Nelda desperately attempted to save him by dragging him, but he was too heavy for her. She did not want to leave her husband’s side, but he insisted she save herself for the sake of the family.

The next day was Nelda’s birthday. It was not a day of celebration but grieving and mourning. All she could think about was the image of her beloved husband in his last moments of life.

Nelda and 3 of her children along with their own family are currently displaced. All your financial support will help Nelda with funeral expenses and money to help her start rebuilding her life without Ceding - a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

According to her son, Pablito, the remains of Ceding was confirmed through DNA as of August 23rd.  May Ceding rest in peace. 

Manong Ceding, we will greatly miss you and your playful spirit! You have touched the lives of so many people. We will cherish all the wonderful memories of you. We love you.