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Working out for Make-A-Wish grant

The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photo
The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photo

Waikapu resident Duke Au Hoon holds up his cellphone so his wife, Rachel, and 4-year-old daughter, Kahalau, can see Kristi Ota and other athletes participating in a fundraising “WOD for Wishes” workout Friday at Maui CrossFit Extreme in Wailuku. CrossFit boxes across the island joined with Make-A-Wish Hawaii for the workout as part of helping grant wishes of Kahalau and other Maui keiki with critical illnesses. Maui CrossFit Extreme co-owner Staci Fujimoto created the 30-minute workout with the numbers of exercise movements based on Kahalau’s age and the number of surgeries and chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation treatments she has undergone. “That’s so unexpected,” said Au Hoon, who showed up with his 6-year-old daughter, Honi Honi, to watch the workout. “These are people who love my daughter and want her to succeed and I’ve never met them in my life.” Kahalau, who was diagnosed last year with stage 3 neuroblastoma, is receiving treatment at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children on Oahu. Her wish is to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

SECOND PHOTO: Lora-lea LaMarre lifts a barbell to do a clean and jerk while Kristi Ota watches during a fundraising “WOD for Wishes” workout Friday at Maui CrossFit Extreme in Wailuku.

The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photos

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