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Aunty Barb had the power. She was the miracle. She was a fighter. She was a superhero. Those closest to her were in admiration of her ability to cope and persevere through her battle with cancer. She had the strength, optimism and peace of mind that was truly inspiring. She surely had her bad days but her gratitude and love surpassed any of her mental and physical misfortunes. Aunty Barb believed that in every situation no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than hardship. 

In 2017, Aunty Barb contacted Kapiolani Hospital’s Child Life Services wanting to do something similar to Operation Shoebox but for local recipients. She called it “Operation Happy Box”. Over the years, it expanded as she increased the number of boxes she rallied donations for. She also donated supplies for the playroom and made a big donation to the school classroom at the hospital.

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Aunty Barb by all measures, was beyond all measures. She achieved success and happiness beyond riches and fame. Even though she is no longer with us, the flames of her light and love will continue to spread throughout our community like wildfire.