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Fund-raiser scheduled
Star-Bulletin staff
for paralyzed manIt's been five months since the head-on collision in Kaneohe that sent 22-year-old Michael Gipson to the hospital in critical condition.
His aunt, Kelly Young said: "He's now at Kaiser Moanalua and will subsequently face two to three months in a rehabilitation facility -- all the while accruing phenomenal mounting costs."
His stay at Queen's Hospital cost him more than $500,000.
Gipson is paralyzed from the chest down after the head-on crash on Kaneohe Bay Drive last Sept. 26. Costs have gone well beyond minimal no-fault coverage carried by the parties concerned, she said.
A fund-raiser to help defray his costs takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Heeia State Park.
Tickets at $10 each will be available at the mall-level kiosk or community booth at Ala Moana Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Also, tickets may be purchased at the door of the fund-raiser -- or by calling Kelly Young, 848-8822, pager 541-6143.
"Several local business merchants, family and friends have come together to graciously offer their support," Young said. "We plan to feature live Hawaiian music, a plate lunch, door prizes and a mini craft fair to promote this charitable event supporting Michael's needs."
Children under 5 will be admitted free.
Family and friends have initiated a trust fund: In Trust for Michael Gipson, Bank of Hawaii, Kalihi Branch, 1950 N. King St., Honolulu 96819.
An elderly Kailua man and wife in a car eastbound on Kaneohe Bay Drive that struck the Gipson car were fatally injured. The wife, 80, driver of the other car, died Sept. 28 in Queen's Hospital. Her husband, 93, a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident near Castle High School.
The Kailua couple's car overtook another car and crossed into oncoming traffic, striking the westbound car driven by Gipson and carrying a male passenger, 22, police said. The other victim improved.
