Thank You to Our Donors & Guests of the 59th Las Amigas Fundraiser for OIC

An Evening with Friends and a "Journey of Faith"

The 59th Las Amigas Annual Evening with Friends fundraiser for the Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) was truly an evening with friends to remember.  The event raised over $65,000 in support of OIC’s mission to provide outstanding care for patients regardless of their ability to pay and to advance pediatric orthopaedic care worldwide through education and research.
 
The aloha spirit shone throughout the luau themed event as guests were treated to an island-style greeting complete with signature cocktail, shell lei and authentic music played by the Los Amigos Trio.  From hand-crafted tropical fish print tablecloths to all natural soaps, bath fizzes and candles in the Las Amigas original Country Store – every aspect of the event was created by Las Amigas and Los Amigos working together as family "ohana."
 
The live and silent auction format was a smashing success with vacations to Kauai, Mammoth, Mexico, Pennsylvania and many more.  Guests were treated to a show by Le Polynesia and the Maui Boys who easily engaged the entire audience smiling and swaying to the rhythm of their dancing and to the Polynesian music.

Those in attendance had the privilege of meeting As’ad, a brave young man who made a “journey of faith” to OIC to seek help.  As’ad is from Nigeria and was born with Cerebral Palsy, a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination (spastic paralysis) and/or other impairments.   His mom, Sha’awa, searched feverishly in Africa, India, and Saudi Arabia for someone to help him walk.  His muscles were so constricted he literally could only squat like a baseball catcher and hobble about.  When the other hospitals and clinicians abroad couldn’t help a family member in the US suggested OIC.   

The family set out for the US not knowing if their travels would pay off.  When they arrived in the OIC lobby they didn’t have an appointment.  What they had was more important…the Kashim family had hope.  

After a thorough screening process by the OIC staff in the International Children’s Program followed by an exhaustive clinical evaluation, Dr. Scaduto and his surgical team scheduled surgery.   When the day arrived, the Kashim's were at peace, believing they were in good hands.  Dr. Scaduto, assisted by surgical resident Dr. Allis performed six hours of surgery on As’ad’s ankles, hamstrings and knees.   

For the past six weeks, As’ad has been in braces and casts.  But on the day of our luau, As’ad walked himself into the event as our honored guest.  As’ad refers to the long road he traveled as his Journey of Faith” and he and his family are a true inspiration to us all. 

Las Amigas/Los Amigos are passionate about the part they play in the OIC community, supporting the care of thousands of children each year.  The women of Las Amigas strive to make a difference in the now and in the future.  With their commitment to OIC and to the community,  Las Amigas instill in their Los Amigos children to live by the value of caring, compassion, getting involved and giving back.  

Las Amigas would like to thank all their Donors and Guests of the 2016 Luau Fundraiser for sharing in our Aloha spirit and supporting Orthopaedic Institute for Children.