harmony cares Relief Fund
When ʻohana needs us most
Maui’s performing arts community is the heartbeat of our island. From stirring musical performances to powerful dance and theatre, these artists and the technical crews working behind the scenes, bring our stories to life. Yet many live paycheck to paycheck. A sudden medical crisis, loss of housing, or other emergency can jeopardize their livelihoods and, by extension, the vibrancy of our arts scene.
ʻOhana we are supporting right now
Derek Nakagawa
My husband, Derek, went in for what we thought would be a simple stent procedure, but we were shocked to learn that he had multiple blockages in the arteries surrounding his heart. Instead of a stent, Derek had to undergo a quintuple bypass surgery. The news was overwhelming, and the recovery process has been even more challenging than we expected. Derek now faces at least three months off from work as he heals, and we are doing our best to navigate this difficult time together.
We have been trying to apply for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), but we’re running into issues with getting the necessary paperwork completed by the doctor. While we wait for that to be resolved, our regular bills—like rent and living expenses—are still due, and we know the hospital bills will start arriving soon. The financial stress is adding to an already emotional and exhausting situation.
We were really hoping not to have to ask for help, but we are in absolute need of any amount that our friends, family, and the community can give. Your support will help us cover our rent, daily expenses, and the mounting medical bills while Derek recovers. We sincerely thank everyone who gives, and we are deeply grateful for any help during this difficult time.