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 About UsWest O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation is a Hawaii-based charity which was created in 2004 in response to the growing need in Hawaii to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, STD's, hepatitis, and terminal illness; to care for people who are living with chronic illness and addiction; and to provide youth education on the consequences of substance abuse. Inherent in this mission, is also the drive to empower and encourage individuals, families, and the communities of Hawaii. West O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation's mission now manifests itself through its ongoing services which include anonymous HIV testing, shelter programs, food distribution, case management, support groups, family intervention, social gatherings for optimism and confidence through cultural camaraderie, out-of-pocket medication assistance, addiction treatment, geographical risk assessment, case management services for incarcerated HIV clients, and coordination of other agencies' support.
Our Foundation's services are not unlike similar organizations island-wide, as the issues are the same--but the numbers have grown, and new infections have grown. About 3,000 people in Hawaii are now infected with HIV or have AIDS. Recent cases are occurring in the Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Islander community. While AIDS deaths are down due to better treatment and education, the urgency still must be maintained, and remain in the forefront. HIV is still an epidemic in Hawaii in 2008, and there is still no cure. West O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation strives to maintain that urgency and remains progressive. It is right there with those who are living longer, using combination drug therapies, and counseling new clients who are continually entering the treatment system. However, existing services can't keep up with the long-term survivors without more public and private support.
West O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation near-future fundraising efforts include carnivals, annual charity walks, hotel dances, health fairs, and community events. The future holds a cure for HIV/AIDS. Until then, West O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation will continue to do all it can so that others may live. Chronic illness is ever-changing. But mankind will never change the will to live. | West O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation 2008-2009 Board of Directors President Joseph B. Rattner, O.D., C.S.A.C. Founder & Acting Executive Director HIV/HCV/STD Testing and Counseling Specialist
Preventative Care and Client Services
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor State Licensed Drug & Alcohol Testing Probation, Parole and Drug Court Counselor
Vice President
Gloria Padilla-Ramirez Healthcare Benefits Specialist Ewa Beach Community Resident Secretary/Treasurer Pat N. Balio Mortgage Broker Akama`i Mortgage Ewa Beach Community Resident Foundation Accountant Allen M. Arakaki, C.P.A. Foundation Attorney Anson O. Rego | West O`ahu Hope For A Cure Foundation 2008-2009 Advisory Board Director Lila G. Rattner Licensed Realtor Secretary Sol Rattner Bergen Pythian Lodge Secretary (20 years) Members Senator Will Espero Hawaii State Senator District 20 (Ewa Beach/Lower Waipahu)
John Manion, Esq. Legal Advisor
Disability and Civil Rights Attorney
Dr. Willis C. Chang, M.D. Medical Advisor
Medical Director, Hawai`i Medical Center West Infectious Disease Specialist *Referral Physician
Dr. Alan Tice, M.D., F.A.C.P. Medical Advisor
Infectious Disease Specialist
Co-Infection Program Coordinator-HSNH *Referral Physician
Ken Akinaka, M.R.A. Hepatitis/HIV/Substance Abuse Specialist
Founder, Hepatitis Prevention, Education, Treatment & Support Network of Hawai`i |
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