Dear KKV ‘Ohana,

COVID reminds us that as a community, we have always been connected. It also reminds us how we are more fragile and more resilient than we know.

COVID hit Kalihi hard, bringing food insecurity, isolation, fear and terrible loss of life. But the trauma is only part of the story. Over the past eight months, our staff and I have witnessed and experienced innumerable acts of kindness and generosity in the midst of crisis. Along with the vulnerability of our community, COVID revealed the resilience and grit of the people we serve.

It also tested and revealed ours. In 2020, pivoting became a way of life. It was incredible for me to see KKV staff rallying with resolve to devise new ways to care for our patients and community. The KKV-wide COVID response strengthened relationships with our patients and community, brought staff together, and affirmed the healing power of reciprocity: Neighbors being neighborly to neighbors.  

KKV is grateful for the unbelievable outpouring of support we received from near and far. We now see light at the end of this long dark tunnel. New vaccines are being rolled out, offering powerful tools to preserve life. We know more about how the virus works, and each of us has the power to stop its spread.

During the holidays, please do all you can to protect yourself and those you love. Our courage will be tested as never before, fueled by loneliness and longing to gather with those we love. But now is no time to lapse. The best way we can honor our connectedness is to keep each other safe … by staying apart.

Mahalo for all your support. With your help, we are able to continue to keep KKV and Kalihi strong. 

With deep gratitude and aloha,

David Derauf