KAPAA — Sarah Manuel, the reigning Miss Paradise Kauai 2015, knows what children go through when they need to have surgery. “When I was 5 years old, I had pectus excavatum surgery,” Manuel said of the sunken chest wall condition.
KAPAA — Sarah Manuel, the reigning Miss Paradise Kauai 2015, knows what children go through when they need to have surgery.
“When I was 5 years old, I had pectus excavatum surgery,” Manuel said of the sunken chest wall condition. “Even though I do not remember everything, the comfy memories I can recall are what counts.”
Those memories were the seeds for Manuel’s passion for the Children’s Miracle Network. She will be hosting her own Miss Paradise Kauai 5k event in honor for the organization May 3.
“I was greatly affected by the Children’s Miracle Network when I had my operation at the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children,” Manuel said. “I know it is my duty to give back to this amazing charity, which became the foundation of my future scholastic goals in becoming an antithesis nurse.”
It will be from 9 a.m. to noon at Kapaa Beach Park. The park will also host a variety of craft and food vendors along with entertainment.
Donation is $10 with young people under 9 years old being free.
“All of the money raised goes to our only local children’s hospital, which is the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children,” Manuel said. “Some examples of how the money is used include purchasing upgraded equipment, providing care for their therapy dog, ‘Tucker,’ and covering uncompensated care. I am proud to be an ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network because I know what it feels like to be a patient at Kapiolani.”
Bev Brody of Get Fit Kauai will warm up the runners, walkers, and bikers with a Zumba dance starting at 9 a.m.
“My ultimate goal is not only to win Miss Hawaii, but to be the Miracle Maker at the Miss Hawaii pageant,” Manuel said.
For those vendors wishing to participate, special rates are available and reservations can be done by emailing sarah.manuel@yahoo.com.
Sponsors helping Manuel with this crusade include The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Makana Terrace at St. Regis, RumFire at the Sheraton Kauai Resort, Monico’s, Tamba, Deep Kauai, Leahlani Skincare, Wailua Shave Ice, and more.
