Support Benkei's Battle Against Cancer

Aloha Everyone,

My name is Shimon Masaki, and I'm reaching out to you with a heavy heart. My father, Yoshinori Murakami, affectionately known as "Benkei" to the Hawaii locals, has recently been diagnosed with cancer. As his son, I'm trying to find every possible way to support him beyond what I can contribute on my own.

Benkei has been a beloved figure in the Hawaii sushi scene since the 1980s. You might have seen him crafting delicious sushi at renowned places like Furusato, Naniwaya, and his own establishment, Sushi Bistro Shun, which closed in 2015. Even now, he works part-time at a local restaurant to make ends meet.

Those who know Benkei remember him as the friendly, cheerful, and dedicated sushi chef. Behind his serious demeanor at the sushi bar is a warmhearted man who is committed to ensuring everyone has a wonderful experience. He's been married to my mother, Eri, who is also an incredible cook. Together, they built Sushi Bistro Shun and created countless memories for our family and the community.

In addition to his passion for sushi, Benkei finds great joy in playing golf. It's one of his favorite pastimes and a way for him to relax and enjoy life.

Since March of this year, Benkei has been experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. Initially, he thought it was a temporary injury from hitting his chest on the metal point of a chair. But as the months passed, his symptoms worsened. Here is a timeline of events leading up to his current condition:

May 22:

Benkei experienced major rib pain and shortness of breath. He was admitted to the ER, where doctors found his right lung full of fluid. They performed an emergency procedure to remove the fluid.

May 23:

After staying overnight in the hospital, doctors found a mass in his lung and another on his 7th rib, suggesting possible cancer. They noted the cancer might have spread to his rib, causing it to fracture easily. Benkei was discharged from the hospital and is now awaiting further tests.

May 25:

Benkei began experiencing chronic coughing and rib pain again. He was readmitted to the ER, and a scan revealed that fluid had already refilled his lung.

May 27 - June 7:

Benkei had fluid removed from his lung every 2-3 days, with 1-1.5 liters extracted each time. Despite this, he continued to experience significant pain and shortness of breath just a day after each procedure. He is getting a chest X-ray after every fluid extraction to monitor the remaining fluid, as they cannot remove all the fluid at once due to the risk of shock.

June 10:

Since the lung fluid tests were inconclusive, the doctors are working on scheduling a biopsy and a PET scan once the lung fluid volume is low enough for a clear view. In the meantime, Benkei is still getting fluid extracted 2-3 times a week to help him breathe.

June 25 - June 28:

Benkei had a PET scan on June 25, and the results came back on June 28. The scan confirmed malignant masses and lymph nodes inside his lungs, on his ribs, and near his chest. He is now waiting to get a biopsy to identify the type of cancer and to help doctors determine the best treatment plan.

Benkei is currently undergoing further tests to determine the specific type of cancer and the best treatment plan. The road ahead is uncertain and daunting. To cover his hospital bills, loss of income, rent payments, and other living expenses, we are humbly asking for your help.

Doing sushi, interacting with his guests, and playing golf are what define Benkei. It brings him immense joy and fulfillment. We don't want this illness to take away what he loves and what makes him who he is. Your support can help ensure that he continues to do what he loves and fights this battle with all his might.

Any contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated. I promise to keep everyone updated as we move forward.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Benkei Family

JAPANESE:

皆さん、こんにちは。 私の父は、7月1日に悪性胸膜中皮腫のステージ4と診断されました。この病気は非常に珍しく、早期発見が難しいとされています。アスベストが原因の一つとされており、完治は難しいですが、免疫療法を用いて進行を遅らせたり症状を和らげることができます。 

現在、父は高額な保険適用外の薬剤を使用した免疫療法を受けています。治療費が非常に高額であり、家族としても非常に厳しい状況に直面しています。皆さまの温かいご支援が、私たちにとって大きな救いとなります。 

ご寄付いただいた資金は、父の医療費や生活費に充てさせていただきます。どんなに小さな額でも、心から感謝いたします。皆さまのサポートが父にとって大きな力となります。 

父がまた大好きなゴルフを楽しみ、寿司を作れる日が来ることを願っています。 このメッセージを広めていただけると大変ありがたいです。多くの方の目に留まることで、父への支援が広がります。どうか、皆さまのご協力をよろしくお願いいたします。