Emergency Funds for Anacleto and Dionisia Topinio

Aloha, it’s Camille and Andy reaching out with a request to support our parents, Anacleto Topinio, 83, and Dionisia Topinio, 87. Anacleto came to Hawaii and worked the sugar plantation fields, building a life for our family. On August 9, 2023, our parents fled for their lives on Maui and lost their home in Lahaina, as well as their personal belongings, work tools, clothing, medical supplies, photos, and other family treasures to the fires. They fled without time to pack their things, so the clothes on their backs are all they have left. Our Mom and Dad are pillars of their community, and they are grounding in the support of their church community—where they are emergency sheltering and taking things day-to-day—right now. Despite losing nearly everything, they are committed to staying on Maui and helping their Ohana out and toward recovery, together. As Dad said, he will not leave his people. This GoFundMe is to help them, two selfless human beings and community anchors!

As this crisis continues, water, electricity, and cell service remain scarce, and we are doing everything we can to support our parents from the Big Island until we can be reunited with them and possibly even help them travel to come stay with us. It will be a long road ahead. On top of this all, Mom is trying to get her high blood pressure and foot swelling under control, and we’re not sure if she has enough medicine to ease her blood pressure and swelling.

The needs of so many in Lahaina are huge, so any little amount you can spare helps. Your support will aid Anacleto and Dionisia as they process the shock and trauma of losing their physical and spiritual home, allow them to purchase clothing, medicine, replace some basic needs, obtain transportation, and to continue supporting others in their church community.

We will be transferring funds as they come in to support our parents for whatever they need.

Mahalo, your kindness has us in tears.

Much Aloha,

Camille Dang and Andy Topinio