Nemu is a strong little girl who has already been through so much in her young life. The 11-year-old from Honolulu was born prematurely, at 25 weeks. Since then, she’s endured multiple surgeries to give herself a fighting chance to live a happy and healthy life.  

A key player in Nemu’s well-being is Ms. Amber, her caregiver of more than 5 years. Nemu warmed up to Ms. Amber quickly, and her younger brother and sister were fast fans too. As Nemu grew up, so did Ms. Amber—meeting her husband and starting a family of her own.  

When Ms. Amber relocated to Chicago for her husband’s career, Nemu was devastated. She cried and missed her deeply. “Nemu really loved her,” says her father, Shinichi.  

Nemu was referred to Make-A-Wish Hawaii for her seizure disorder. Her most heartfelt wish was to go to Chicago to see Ms. Amber—and while there, see snow and throw snowballs at her siblings.  

Nemu looked forward to her wish, and it gave her hope and joy for the day it would come true, especially while recovering from a major surgery that left her fighting to gain the strength to walk again. Thanks to the generous support of Steve and Marilyn Katzman, Nemu’s wish
was granted!

“Nemu spread the news that she is going to Chicago to everyone—friends at school and neighbors,” says her mother, Takako. “She looked so happy and excited every day. We felt grateful.”  

To help prepare this family of five for the winter weather, UNIQLO Hawaii outfitted them in down and fleece jackets with HEATTECH to keep them warm on their trip. This generous in-kind support came in especially handy during the snowball fight Nemu had dreamt of!  

The entire family had a wonderful time in Chicago. They visited the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Science and Industry, went snow tubing outside the city, and—the highlight of the trip—reconnected with Ms. Amber and her family over Chicago-style pizza. 

“Since returning from the trip, Nemu has repeatedly said that she would like to go back to Chicago. We believe that this feeling has benefited her the strength to live,” Takako says.

Mahalo Steve and Marilyn Katzman for making Nemu’s wish come true!