LIVE MUSIC HAPPY HOUR 2-4P AND FUNDRAISER & Silent auction

Mala Ocean Tavern would like to invite you to join us on Friday, December 16, 2022 for a Happy Hour 2-4p fundraiser, benefiting "Shaka For Suede". Suede Ducheneau is 5 years old and in July of 2022 was diagnosed with moderately severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, his sister Roux just turned 4 and within the last month has also been diagnosed with hearing loss. Both children must undergo testing and continually monitor the rate of progression of their hearing loss. The family lives on Maui and must see specialists only located on Oahu, creating even more expenses for the family to travel for these appointments. The visits are scheduled twice a month. Along with the travel expenses, additional equipment for the children are also a new expense for the family on a budget. At MALA, we are trying to raise funds for "Shaka For Suede" to reach the goal of $8000.00 to cover the expenses for the upcoming year. We thank you in advance for any donation you can make to "Shaka For Suede".

About Suede and Roux Ducheneau.

The Ducheneau Family lives on Maui's west side, and like many families in their position, the essential expenses needed for young children's treatments have burdened their family and their savings. The Ducheneau family is a part of the Mala Ocean Tavern ohana and we want to help the family raise awareness and help them find the support they need to make it through this challenging time.

A little about Suede and Roux; Suede will be 6 in January; he was diagnosed officially at Kapiolani Medical Center in July of 2022 with moderately severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. What does this mean? The nerve that produces sound to the brain does not function as normal. Suede has been fitted for his hearing aids and is over the moon that he can hear what his parents are now saying to him. Since birth, Suede has undergone six surgeries in relation to his hearing. He hasn't let that phase him. Suede is always smiling and enjoying the life that he was given. He loves sharks, Cooking with his Dad, and he absolutely loves his new hearing aid!

His sister Roux will soon join him in wearing a very cute pair of hearing aids. Roux, just turned 4. She has started her testing, after recent brainstem testing that diagnosed her with hearing loss. Her future testing will occur every 6 months. With the example of her brother, she is already learning sign language. Roux loves cats, "Bluey", and putting on make-up.

Suede has recently been enrolled in the Kihei Elementary Deaf Education Program, and the family is currently in the process of enrollment for Roux.

As parents of young children, Kalei and Kate Ducheneau are working hard to make the life their children need and deserve. Both working Full-Time, and Kate is taking 9 credit hours at the University of Hawaii Maui College, they are doing their very best to support the needs of their wonderful, bright, and loving children.

From mother Kate Ducheneau, "We will continue to seek answers and advice from pediatric specialists for our children as we feel they are our most knowledgeable resource. We are SO grateful for our local community for reaching out to us and supporting our family during this time." If you would like to contribute or contact the family directly please contact kateducheneau@gmail.com.

Mala Ocean Tavern is helping to raise funds for the Ducheneau's, our Ohana. We appreciate any support or assistance that you are able to provide for this young family on Maui.

The Ducheneau's are active in Hands and Voice non-profit Hawaii Start-up Chapter, working towards helping the Deaf and Hearing Impaired in the community, and encourage people to find out more. https://www.handsandvoices.org/resources/dhh-plus.html

Donations for “Shaka For Suede” can be made via Venmo @Shaka4Suede. See the QR Code above.