Taylor’s ‘rebound’ likely after fight with colon cancer

LIHU‘E — To improve his chances of making a full recovery of his two-year bout with colon cancer, Ed “ET” Taylor of Wailua has been traveling to O‘ahu for treatment.

The hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, involves high doses of oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber commonly used by ocean divers with the bends, or decompression sickness.

But HBOT has also been used for 60 years for treatment of many different non-healing wounds, including damaged bone and tissue due to radiation, circulatory problems, infections, even autism and cerebral palsy.

The treatment stimulates the natural healing of oxygen-starved tissue. The pressure in the chamber causes the oxygen breathed to be dissolved into the bloodstream more effectively, and then it is transported beyond cellular level into plasma and tissues which need it most.

Taylor undergoes the treatments at the Hyperbaric Medicine Center on O‘ahu.

“Eddie’s Rebound” is a benefit fundraiser to help pay for those treatments, organized by Taylor’s friends and set for Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lydgate Beach Park main pavilion.

Sean Carillo, Cindy Combs and Billy Paul’s Rockin Soul Review offer live music, there will be food including chicken hekka, local greens and Eddie’s Favorite Homemade Carrot Cake, and a silent auction with one of the items a week’s stay in a New Zealand beach house.

A charter-fishing trip, paintings and jewelry by local artists and much more will also be offered at the silent auction.

Door prizes include a week’s stay at a Koke‘e State Park private cabin, and more.

Admission is by $20 donation, and all donations will help to pay for Taylor’s hyperbaric treatments.

Tickets are available at Pono Market in Kapa‘a or by calling 822-9224, and will be available at the door.

See www.hyperbaricmedicinecenter.com for more information on HBOT.