Kalawaia Lee didn’t finish Sunday’s Run for Pa‘a alone. He was greeted by friends and family. More than 500 of them, in fact.
For added company, he had his son Pa‘a on his shoulders. Pretty wonderful, he said.
“Really, it’s about being able to fellowship with our community. Sharing the experience, being able to get some exercise, come out and have fun,” he said.
On a sunny, windy day, Dad carried son for much of the 5K fun run that started and finished at Kukuiula Shopping Center. Sometimes, though, the blond-haired boy sporting a big smile insisted on doing things on his own.
“He decided he wanted to get down and run when he saw his mom,” Kalawaia Lee said.
That his son, 2, was running strong was a blessing, the father said, because soon, the young boy is headed to San Diego, where he’ll undergo open heart surgery.
Pa‘a’s mom, Nikki Lee, held her son, who was wearing a Batman T-shirt, during a laugh-filled drawing for prizes after the run.
“You look at him, you would never guess there’s something wrong,” she said.
But Pa’akamana’o Matiu Lee was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, along with other organ and cardiovascular abnormalities that will need lifelong monitoring and repair. Since his birth in August 2011, Pa‘a has had eight surgeries.
As the Koloa family readies for their trip to San Diego and another operation for Pa‘a, his father said Sunday’s run and following prize drawings will be a boost, not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually.
“We have our faith and our community,” Kalawaia Lee said.
Around 550 people participated in the third annual Run for Pa‘a, a fundraiser to help offset medical and travel expenses.
Among them was Jordan Shea of Hanapepe, who said it was great day to run and be with friends, while raising money for Pa‘a.
“Smiles, good company, great views,” he said.
The run was organized by Sundey Dillberg, owner of O.F.F. Studio in the Kukuiula Shopping Center.
Last year, over 350 people showed their support by running in the 5k that raised over $7,000. Sunday’s tally was expected to double that, and raised $13,735.
Dillberg, a family friend, is a mom to three and said she wanted to help in any way she could. She’s pleased that the fun run has grown.
“To know and to watch Pa‘a grow, it’s been really special,” she said.
Most runners were there not to race the clock, but support the Lee family, like Suzi Milosky, who flew in from Oahu.
“I just wanted to be part of it,” she said.
Lila Metzger said she’s not a runner, but still signed up and ran hard.
“This was my physical sacrifice for Pa‘a,” she said, grinning. “I don’t run. I dance. It was worth it. For Pa‘a, I will run.”
Dave Hibbit of Koloa and son Hunter were there, too, for Pa‘a
“It’s a good reason to get up early and have a fun run,” Dave Hibbit said.
Hunter said he came close to beating his dad.
“Last year, I got first,” the 7-year-old said.
Dr. Jim Raelson, a pediatrician, offered a challenge that if any of his young patients could beat him in the run, he would donate $20 each. It ended up costing him $100, which he was glad to contribute.
“I didn’t think any of them could beat me, they’re just little kids,” he said, laughing as he stood surrounded by five fit youth. “But there you go.”
Dodger Middlebrook was one of those who bested Raelson.
“I knew I could beat him,” he said.
Same for Liam Buchanan.
“I think I beat him by quite a bit,” he said. “I’m pretty happy about that.”
Raelson chuckled and whispered, “I just really let them win, you know.”
The community has rallied around the Lees in other ways.
Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill in Poipu also created a specialty drink, “Cheers for Pa‘a,” with 100 percent of sales going to help family, and it raised around $1,400.
The run was followed by a Luau for Pa’a, at Poipu Beach Park, which raised $5,000.
It was a day of emotions.
Nikki Lee said she cried about 10 times Sunday, overcome with the support for her family.
“It’s so incredibly touching, the outpouring of love that we have received from our community, friends, family, strangers alike,” she said. “It’s just amazing.”
