California Woman Steps Up to Help Families Afford Farewell in Maui
Losing a loved one is already a heartbreaking experience, but for the families affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui, the financial burden of a proper funeral service added to their pain. However, thanks to a compassionate woman from California who believes she heard God’s calling, many of these families are now receiving the support they need.
Leona Castillo, a grieving mother who lost her 28-year-old son, Po’omaika’i Estores-Losano, in the wildfires, describes him as a beloved figure in the community. His kind-hearted nature and ability to make friends with anyone touched the lives of many. Leona and her daughter Jayna are still grappling with the loss and the fact that they may never know the details of Po’omaika’i’s final moments.
For two agonizing weeks, the family awaited confirmation that the DNA sample matched their son’s remains. Once the confirmation arrived, they were overcome with a mix of emotions. However, Leona, who recently underwent surgery and is currently unemployed, faced the daunting reality of funding a funeral service that typically costs around $8,000 in Maui—an overwhelming expense for most families in the island paradise.
But then, Leona’s path crossed with Vanessa Rozo, a compassionate Californian who had come to Maui with a mission to help families cover funeral expenses. Vanessa had collected funds through her local church and a GoFundMe page, and she felt compelled by what she believes to be God’s calling to assist those in need.
Vanessa’s arrival was a turning point for Leona, who had managed to gather half of the required funds but still had a long way to go to properly honor her son’s life. Thanks to the money raised by Vanessa and her efforts, the remaining $4,000 was secured to provide a meaningful service, complete with a minister and flowers, ensuring Po’omaika’i’s farewell would be a memorable event cherished by his friends and family.
Remembering her brother, Jayna reflects on his strong faith and selfless nature. She believes he would have risked his life to help others during the wildfires, emphasizing his love for God alongside his kind-heartedness.
Leona, looking back on her son’s life, feels that God has chosen him as one of His strongest warriors. To celebrate his memory, the family will honor him through a meaningful service that showcases his impact on their lives and the lives of others.
As daily rainbows in Hawaii symbolize God’s faithfulness, those who mourn will find solace in knowing that Jesus will be there to heal their wounds and eventually bring beauty from the ashes. If you would like to support families in Maui with funeral expenses, you can make a donation here.
