Children’s Miracle Network Golf Tournament Exceeds Expectations

Parents, Ben and Stephanie Simao with daughter Taislee are grateful recipients of excellent care given by the Kapiolani Medical Center and the Children’s Miracle Network.

By Janet Miller

It was an ideal day for the Marriott’s 3^rd Annual Kapi‘olani Children’s Miracle Network Golf Tournament held at Waiohai Beach Club and Kaua`i Lagoons Saturday, March 23.

Cloud cover and light wind made for near perfect golfing conditions. One hundred and forty-four of the Island’s best golfers teed off at 8 a.m. to raise funds for Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Hawai`i’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and the only full-service pediatric hospital in the state.

Ben and Stephanie Simao know firsthand, what a blessing Kapiolani Medical Center and the Children’s Miracle Network can be. Their now 3 year-old daughter, Taislee, was born at 27 weeks.

“We love everyone at  Kapi’olani for the care and love they showed us for the two and-a-half months that Taislee was there.  They truly are miracle workers. And Marriott was wonderful to our family throughout the entire time,” Stephanie Simao said.

Event co-chair and professional golf instructor, Kendrick Kimizuka, marveled at how many people are affected and helped by the Children’s Miracle Network.  While the final tally was not confirmed, Kimizuka said he was sure the goal of $10,000 was met, beating last year’s take of $7,000.

The tournament, held at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Kiele Moana Golf Course, consisted of 36 teams of four golfers. The teams were sold out long before the golf date. There were approximately 20 volunteers to help out, wearing “Miracle Worker” t-shirts – an apt slogan for the event.

All proceeds will stay in Hawai’i, supporting sick and injured keiki from Kaua’i and all islands statewide.