KILAUEA — Ten days before Christmas, Josephine Asuncion’s home in Kilauea was destroyed in a fire.
Today, Christmas, she still finds joy.
“Josephine is extremely grateful and would like to thank the community,” said Padraic Gallagher, American Red Cross director on Kauai. “She feels overwhelmed by the love and support she is getting.”
If it weren’t for a vigilant neighbor, the blaze could have been worse.
“Our neighbor, Jackie Nakagoshi, saved Josephine, who was not mobile, and got her out of the fire,” said one of Asuncion’s neighbors, Hidemi Miyasaki. “You know, most people don’t help others when fires happen, especially when we are older and can’t hear anything. I think that she is a real hero.”
Asuncion was in her home on Aalona Street on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 15 when the house caught fire and was destroyed. Fire inspectors estimate damages to the structure and its contents to be roughly $420,000. The cause is under investigation.
She and her family had been living there about 50 years and lost literally everything they had.
Many have rallied to the family’s side.
Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay stepped up with a $500 check.
Monica Oszust, club president, said it was a pleasure to help the family during the holiday season.
“We wanted to help her and her family get back on their feet,” Oszust said.
A gofundme account has been created to help the family with expenses. It has raised, as of Tuesday, $10,901 toward its goal of $15,000.
“While this fundraiser will obviously not be able to get back what has been lost, its aim is to help with food, clothing, and other necessities needed while they begin to rebuild their lives,” wrote Le Reina Nebre, organizer.
Some comments included with donations were:
“All our love and support to you during this challenging time. If we can help in any other way please let us know.”
“Blessings and prayers to your Ohana.”
“From another Kilauea neighbor. Sending best wishes.”
“Sending love …”
Gallagher said Asuncion, though wanting to recover away from the spotlight, is thankful for the support.
He said she feels like she has everything she needs, except for one thing.
“She does need help (from) a computer tech to help her retrieve her passwords on her laptop,” Gallagher said.
