Christmas in Kauai

Readers Advisory:  This post is long and emotional, but it ends well with tons of gratitude to the goodness of people in our world today.

Brain cancer is...

 ...not as difficult to deal with as Hawaiian Airlines.

Now that there is a happy ending, we can share this story.  Months ago we booked a Hawaiian Airlines package; it was to be the first time the six of us all traveled together.  Doesn't it sound fabulous to spend Christmas on Kona?  We thought so too...the family together in paradise.  For Christmas Day, we chartered a private boat with captain and crew.  You can imagine how we've been looking forward to this escape.

About two weeks ago, things started to go awry:  Darrell's Optune system is driven by Lithium Ion batteries, which are allowed by the FAA.  I contacted Hawaiian Airlines to ensure things would go smoothly for us to travel with Optune and its batteries.  No approval should have been necessary given FAA regulations, FDA approval, and a letter of medical necessity from Dr. Park. 

However, I included all that information and materials in my repeated requests for assistance.  They did not respond to these requests.  Had they just told me, "no," I could have cancelled and booked with a different carrier.  Instead they were silent. They exhibited a toxic combination of ignorance and indifference.  The degree of stress this introduced into our family was extreme. 

Fast forward to the happy stuff:  Late last night (12/19), our Attorney from Heaven was on the phone with the airline, still looking for their assistance--less than 48 hours before boarding time.  Today she cancelled the trip for us and is seeking full compensation for our trip expenses.   Meanwhile, our Travel Agent from Heaven was able to book a new package with Delta (which allows Optune) via a direct flight to Kauai, the garden isle. Three lagoon-view rooms, two rental cars, new hope for the holidays!

Earth Angels of the Day

• DeniAntionette Mazingo, Esq.:  DeniAntionette reached out to help us because humans should take care of each other.  She is a woman of faith and strength, and she didn't cry once in any airline phone call.  Our gratitude to DeniAntionette is extreme.  We predict that we have started a friendship that will last.
• Cristina Goodman:  Cris has booked wonderful vacations for our family in the past, and really saved us this time.  Cris spent hours and hours on this booking.  She gave her time freely, and she gave me strength with her faith, great advice, and expert knowledge.  We are so fortunate for the continued prayers from both these earth angels!
• Hang Loose Boat Tours:  Because we couldn't get to Kona, we were forced to cancel our Christmas Day charter.  Hang Loose was within their rights to collect half of our substantial purchase price, but given our story, John and the owners gave us a full refund.  Truly they exhibited the Aloha spirit!

And on the Angel Assist...

• Curt Welshon, for finding DeniAntionette, sharing our story with her, and putting us in touch..
• Meridyth Munns for sustained indignation and putting us in touch with Cris.
• Melanie Munns for, along with "her super smart pilot," providng the Delta lead..
• Optune Amy, for continuing to represent the best that Novocure offers.

Aloha, Team D!