ANAHOLA — When the Kumu Camp volleyball tournament begins today, one team will be playing with heavy hearts.
Lois Bactad, a member of “All G,” died Jan. 8 after suffering a stroke.
Bactad had been complaining about a headache and passed out as she was driving home Jan. 4. She hit a neighbor’s car and was taken to the hospital. The ER doctor discovered an aneurysm. Bactad, also known as Tita, was put on life support. She died four days later.
While her family is trying to pay the unexpected medical costs, her volleyball teammates have resolved to not let them do it alone.
“When I heard how sick Lois was, and how her ‘ohana was facing huge medical costs, I asked if we could specifically raise funds for her them,” said Malia Tomacder, member of the Anahola Hawaiian Homes Association.
The AHHA hosts at least four community volley tournaments every year at Kumu Camp at Anahola Bay. They started hosting the games to provide Kauai residents, especially youth, ways to say active, said KipuKai Kuali’i, AHHA president.
Team registration is $75 for the tournament and the association plans to donate Saturday’s proceeds to the family. The association hopes to raise at least $500.
Eight teams, made up of six people have signed up, said Robin Daner, AHHA vice president.
“The inspiration and motivation for Kumu Camp and for our volleyball tournaments came about because we experienced three different youth suicides in our community, and fellowship and healthy activities, like the kind we have playing on sports teams or even having a relaxing picnic on the beach with our neighbors is what we felt was needed,” Kauali’i said. “Everyone keeps saying that young people need more things to do. Truth is, we all need more things to do — healthy activities that bring us together, face-to-face, with our neighbors and other community members.
On Saturday, “All G” plans to donate any winnings to the family. The first place team gets a $300 prize, and even if they don’t win, they hope the team that does will donate a portion of the prize money to Bactad’s family.
Bactad’s memory will also be honored in her old team’s name, Kawika Kauali’i added.
During the tournament, the team will be called “All G for Lois Bactad.”
“Lois has been a part of our circle of friends. We were pretty shocked when hearing of her being sick and then passing away,” said Lauren Kalima, one of Lois’ teammates. “It hasn’t really set in; I’m sure we’ll all be thinking of her a lot on Saturday as we play in the tournament.”
Those interested in helping Bacatad’s family are welcome to attend the tournament, which starts ay 9 a.m. Donors can go gofundme.com, and search “Lois “Tita” Bactad Memorial Service.”
The gofundme account has raised $1,645. Funraisers want to raise $3,000, which will help pay for a memorial service, according to the site.
