Click Here for the Schedule for Angelina's Walk 2009.

Press Coverage and Mahalos

Press Coverage from the local newspaper West Hawaii Today

Mahalo to donors, helpers, walkers, supporters and well-wishers

This was not a mission impossible June 19, 1:30 pm

WOW! Angelina has completed this incredible journey. She also walks very fast! She reached the school before 10:30. Unfortunately, I missed the whole thing. I hear there were lots of people there to celebrate and 15 to 20 people walked at least part of the last leg with her.

I will get some more detailed accounts on Saturday. Here are more pictures to share. Be sure to refresh the page if you have been to the photos page before.

Angelina's Walk Update June 19, 6:30 am

Randy & Angelina would like to dedicate today's walk to Randy's step dad, James Mason, who passed away today.

I spoke with Angelina by phone. She will start her final leg in about an hour. She wanted me to update the volcano on the donations page with the amounts she has collected over the past few days as checks and cash. Including those and the donations she has received online here over the past eleven days, the volcano has exceeded the half way mark for the second goal!

She sounds very strong and ready to get going. She summed up her journey by joking "Ah, the thrill of victory and the agony of da feet".

Here's a movie clip that Bob Laird made yesterday morning.

Almost Pau June 18, 11:40 pm

From reporter Kristine:

Angelina hasn’t even finished yet and I’m already feeling nostalgic, knowing I am going to miss her daily calls.

“Hi Kristine, it’s just me, Angelina, the pest . . . ” That’s been one of her favorite openers. Then there’s, “Hi Kristine, I’m done already. What an amazing day!”

Over the past ten days it has been an honor to be in continuous contact with Angelina and Randy as they filled me in on their progress; now that the adventure is almost over, I get to reflect. While I am certain I will return to this story throughout my lifetime, especially when I feel the need for inspiration, I am ready to declare one thing about it most impressive — the consistently joyful sound of their voices.

Whether they were reporting about blisters, rainbows or miles to go before they could sleep, the Lovatos narrative has been nothing but positive and therein lies the secret to their success. Here I am talking about not only the walk but also their relationship, which, according to Angelina, has just been through the activists’ equivalent of a vow-renewal. “It has really made our relationship incredibly deep,” Angelina said a few days back.

Yesterday’s update, recorded by Angelina at the end of the last 20-mile stint, which they completed together, began with, “Randy did really good.” He was in the background going from the Jacuzzi to the pool as she sat soaking her feet and bringing me up to date. “I made record time today, girl. I feel so good and so strong.”

Angelina went on to report that Dr. Bob Laird had joined in as they began the day at 5:30 a.m. with Larry Ford driving the van. Her lifeguard buddy Casey also walked along for a bit; Kelly Greenwell’s executive assistant David Hirt “stopped by and walked and gave a donation,” as did “Tammy from HPM.”  She also said the walkers received many honks and positive responses along the way and that she and Randy were due to have dinner at Jackie Ray’s as the guests of Burt and Joan Wong. 

Just 20 minutes later, I got what will be Angelina’s last report since I am headed to Kailua in the early morning hours to join her on the road. It turned out that Angelina just couldn’t sit and enjoy her foot soak because she had to acknowledge more kindness of behalf of Burt and Joan Wong. The Wongs provided the van as well as a warm reception when Angelina and Randy stopped by their Chevron Station located just beyond Lako Street.

This is close to where they stopped, finishing just a little after noon; making it also where they will resume their walking tomorrow. The final leg is but 8 miles long. It is scheduled to end at Konawaena Middle School around 11:30 a.m., 11 days after it began.

As for closing sentiments: “Well done Angelina and Randy. I am humbled by your effort.”

Photographs! June 18, 4:00 pm

Finally resolved some technical issues and we have pictures! There are lots of them so I put them on a separate page. Click Here.

Angelina's Walk Update June 18, 7:30 am

Angelina called and she is already almost to HPM by Makala Blvd. in Kailua-Kona and all is going well. A couple of the neighbors, Dr. Bob and Larry, went out early to join up and walk with her this morning.

From reporter Kristine:

When she awakes tomorrow, only 8 miles of highway will stand between Angelina and her goal, which, if you don’t know by now, was to walk around Hawai`i Island raising awareness about our very own special needs children. By lunchtime tomorrow, she will have walked at least 240 miles in support of the cause and although the rest of us will sit in amazement declaring she has done her part, the truth is, in many ways, she has just begun.  

The last time we spoke, Angelina and I discussed what is going to happen with all the momentum she has generated; she even joked that she might just take another lap, now that her body has figured out how to transport itself 20 miles a day.

Here’s a more likely scenario: After a well-deserved rest, Angelina will devote herself to channeling this momentum into direct benefits for our special needs population. This is where the rest of us come in — those of us who, for the most part, made ourselves comfortable while she suffered.

Expect the Lovatos to acknowledge all those who supported them as they take center stage at Konawaena Elementary School tomorrow — just because that’s how they are. The couple is scheduled to arrive at 11:30 a.m. after completing a final 8-mile stretch together. Randy, who was there every step of the way and took many of them himself, has been Angelina’s devoted partner in the effort. He was joined by a variety of folks who accommodated them, offered healing massage, called in by phone and even stopped by the roadside to make donations —sometimes being the story and sometimes telling it as they contributed to the greater goal of increasing awareness.

My favorite story so far is the one about the cow who took up the cause as Angelina headed into Waimea. On its side of the fence it walked beside her for what she called “quite awhile,” enough to make the point that a contribution doesn’t have to be complicated to be significant. It doesn’t matter if you are a part of improving conditions for special needs children through a conscious effort or a form of herding, what matters is that we all keep this thing moving.

You can start by coming out to walk the final 8 miles with Angelina and Randy. They are planning to begin at about 7:30 in the morning from Kailua-Kona just south of Lako Street — look for the white van.

&n

Speedy Lovato June 17, 11:15 am

Angelina just called and she is almost done for today. She will be finishing up just mauka near Kiholo Bay. She feels good and is not in pain. The weather has really been cooperating with a bit of cloud cover and a nice breeze. She said she will finish her 20 miles today in 5 and a half to 6 hours. Earlier in the trip she was needing 8 hours to complete the day's journey. Wow.

Randy uploaded pictures yesterday to SnapFish. Recent Angelina's Walk Photos. You need to either have a SnapFish account or create one to view them. Unfortunately they want money to download them. Randy is going to bring all of them to me later today so I can get them directly and put them up here on this site.

Home Stretch June 16, 3:55 pm

Got a voice mail from Angelina a few minutes ago. She finished walking today at about 1:00. They are in Waikoloa staying with friends Mandy and Bobby Dean.

The plan for tomorrow is to get up and get going very early in the morning. This is in order to try to get done by 12:00 or 12:30 to beat the heat. We don't want her to over heat especially her feet. No more blisters!

The weather was good today. It was cool and the wind was blowing nicely. She said she had a good stride today. She was so very happy to see the "Kona" sign.

From Reporter Kristine over night June 16, 1:05 am

Today Angelina hits the home stretch!

Last night it was a fabulous meal at Merriman’s and a later than usual bedtime for the busy couple. It sounds like the Lovatos were treated quite well by the Waimea community — enjoying themselves as the guests of Peter Merriman himself and receiving a host of well wishes from fellow diners. 

Of course this comes as hearsay. Yesterday was also the birth of the media mentorship project at the Keaau Business Center and I have been so caught up in preparations there that I have had to ignore my favorite hiker for a few days, forcing her to phone in her report. Still, I can’t imagine why I would question Angelina at this point — quite the opposite — I have become a firm believer.  When she says she is determined to leverage the power of community to create a better life for citizens with special needs, I have no doubt she will accomplish this. Such is the nature of commitment and the power of walking.

As a simple and gentle form of activism, walking is also one of the most venerated. Look to Ghandi and Martin Luther King as fine examples of people who took to the road to compel change for the betterment of humankind, even when all else failed.

We will be on hand to film Angelina’s return to Konawaena Elementary School. Just thinking about the reception now gives me chickenskin. The most memorable moment of the kick-off event came when the children collectively gasped as they were told she was going to walk around the ENTIRE island. Imagine their faces when she comes back.

Angelina also described yesterday as the first day she walked without pain. Each time I interview her, she states that what she is going through on her walk is nothing compared to the challenges caregivers of special needs children and adults face throughout their lifetimes. I’m thinking we should take the healing of Angelina’s blisters as an indication that the discomfort associated with caring for these folks is being similarly relieved. At the same time, I would like to share a short story about my friend Danny Frain, a special needs adult living under the care of his sister, my dear friend Oli.

Danny is a constant source of joy. He is one of those people who is happy to see you every time you see him, no matter what. You don’t have to style your hair or put on make-up or fancy clothes to please Danny.  You don’t have to bring him a gift; but if you do he likes colored pencils and Goose Bumps books. Danny always has a hug and a smile handy. And, yes, his way of being is quite simple, but know that he has mastered life’s most important lessons while many others with far more ability have failed.

Danny is lucky he has a sister who loves him and takes care of him, but I am lucky too for I would not have come to appreciate him if he had not been allowed to live like other adults.
On behalf of Angelina, those who are supporting her efforts and those who have the most to gain from her courage, I ask you to take these last few days of her journey to make your own commitment to the Danny Frains of the world. Trust us on this one; it is worth it.

Beautiful Waimea June 15, 2:20 pm

Angelina has reached Waimea and is done with her 20 miles for today. Today was the first day since the day she left that has been relatively pain free. The only place it hurts is her pinkie toe. Randy has been taking very good care of her feet. She said each day when she removes her shoes and socks at the end of the day her feet look like "custard malasadas". But today is different; her feet look and feel pretty good. She was soaking them as we spoke on the phone.

They have been very lucky with the weather. She started today at 5:30 am and had beautiful weather and Waimea is gorgeous. Tonight they are hosted by Lester and Lisa Maruoka at their ranch. They may go out for dinner to Merriman's this evening if Angelina and Randy can stay awake. Randy has access to the internet and promised some pictures. He just called to confirm he had my correct email address.

Angelina told of some of the people who have been so nice to stop on the road. A lovely woman named Flo stopped today to give her a big hug and the only cash in her wallet. Angelina said she gets very emotional when people are so kind. At times she has been told to take a day off before continuing on. But she told me that the kids are her inspiration. She thinks about them and also of others who are having hardships like those who are sick or the soldiers deployed in the Middle East. One day off would not be that big a help to her feet anyway. She doesn't want to lose momentum. So she calls herself a "wimp" and gets going.

Thanks go out to John Politano and his family for hosting last night.

Gulch Day June 14, 9:15 am

I just talked to Angelina. She is doing the three gulches on the north coast today. She has already finished the first gulch and is on her way to the second. She said the gulches are beautiful, it's getting to them that is the hard part. It is just starting to sprinkle so she has her umbrella.

She had some trouble with the blister on her right "pinky toe" yesterday and it hurt quite a bit on that last mile. More first aid on the blisters last night. Her feet don't feel too bad today so far.The trick is to try to keep her feet as dry as possible.

Still no appropriate internet access with which to upload some pictures. They will try to find an internet cafe or something later today after the walk is finished.

From Angelina 3:20 pm

"We finished day 7 and got to the 29 mile marker north of Lapahoehoe.  The gulches were easier than I expected.

Blisters are better, still painful but not so red.

The weather continues to be wonderfully co-operative.  Mahalo ke Akua!

We are staying at John Politano's house in Hilo...mahalo for his hospitality.

A hui hou!"

Day Six Recap June 13, 10:30 pm

From Kristine:

Day Six and I think it is safe to say there will be no stopping Angelina. We caught up with her and Randy today about halfway between Kea`au and Hilo as she prepared to take on the North Hilo-Hamakua Coast.  There she was — a safety-orange version of the Energizer Bunny who could only sit still long enough to powder her feet and change her socks. “I really just need to keep going,” she said over her shoulder as she took off.

Tita get `em down.  The shoes are lined up along the dashboard; the Vaseline is handy; her Mason jar is filled with oatmeal slurry — which is obviously an excellent fuel if you are planning to walk around the island. I mean Angelina is positively glowing.

Val Nakao was in the driver seat of the van today and Randy was at Angelina’s side. Husband and wife did this 20-mile stint together. Here’s an endearing side bar: Imagine Angelina and Randy in their old age reminiscing about the adventure they are sharing. What a team.

Val’s own husband Russ and another friend Mandy McClain joined the Lovato’s after we filmed our short segment along the Kea`au-Hilo Highway. Big up to Makana Kamahele who manned the camera as part of a media mentorship project that is documenting Angelina’s adventure.

Later in the day, we filmed another installment at Wailoa Center. The original plan had Angelina arriving there around 1:00 p.m. but the timing was off, and so the Energizer Bunny trucked on through Hilo town and completed her 20 miles then did some backtracking by van.

Close to the appointed hour she met up with John Politano and his triplets Kelly, Megan and Matthew. It seems compassion is a hallmark of Angelina-philes — the girls were busy setting up for the gathering and babysitting two fluffy, scruffy white kittens they rescued earlier in the week. There were chips and punch and, eventually, an ebullient Angelina receiving a letter of commendation signed by Mayor Kenoi, this presented by his aide, Craig Kawafuchi.

The narrative hasn’t changed since Angelina began: Things are going well; she continues to feel inspired; and the 20-mile goals of her circumnavigation are being met with relative ease.

When we first connected with Randy and Angelina, he reported that her blisters were remarkably improved after the treatment she received from Susan Woolley. She expressed gratitude for the extra support they were getting on the road from Val and Russ. Randy also calculated that by the end of the day they would be about halfway through the walk. His comment came to mind later when, as the brief interlude at Wailoa Center ended, Angelina said, “I’ll be happy to get home.”
Considering she was as far as she could get from home at that point and traveling by foot, the sacrifice Angelina is making became poignantly clear.

You go girl!

Another Day Done! June 13, 3:20 pm

Angelina and Randy walked the whole 20 miles together today. Their friends Russ & Val Nakao helped by driving the van and Russ walked too along with Mandy McClain for the last several miles. Having them walk along with Angelina and Randy really helped to complete the full distance for today.

They were welcomed at Wailoa Center by John Politano and the Politano triplets, Megan, Kelly and Matthew. Angelina received a commendation from the mayor that was presented to her by the mayor's executive assistant. Bobby Dean played ukulele and he and Mandy sang.

I wanted to get this updated right away but we will have some more detailed information and hopefully some photos coming via email later.

Angelina Update June 13, 7:30 am

Angelina called while I was out walking the dog so she left a message. She has passed Keaau and she said there was a sign right in front of her that said "Hilo 6 Miles Ahead". She said they would keep walking after Hilo toward Old Onomea Road and get as far as possible before her meet & greet at Wailoa Center around 12:30 - 12:45.

Her voice sounds a bit more tired than on previous days. I called her back just now (8:30) and she was just finishing up a shoe and sock change and trying to get her walking rhythm going again. The big blister is doing fine. She has a few more small ones her right foot at the toes. She said she is aware of them but they are not painful.

I told her of the recent online donations and read to her some of the email messages coming in over the last few days. People have been stopping along the road and giving as well. She is very touched by all the support. Keep those donations and messages of encouragement coming. Tonight they will have internet access so Randy will be uploading some more pictures for the web site.

Angelina asked that we extend a "mahalo" to the Koa Kaffe in Mountain View for their support and hospitality Thursday evening.

Here's an update from roving reporter Kristine:

I received a call from Angelina on Friday as she finished her walk for the day, this shortly before noon. Her new strategy, created in response to the complications that come with overheated feet beating superheated pavement under an intense Hawaiian sun, has her up and on the road before dawn. “Four-thirty to five, about there,” said Angelina as she reported on how Day Five went.  At the other end of the strategy, she and Randy are in bed (or sometimes ‘in van’) by seven.

The last time I saw Randy he was waiting at Susan Woolley’s spa while Angelina got some much deserved pampering. “We brought books, all kinda things, thinking we were going to be up at night,” said Randy. Those who know Angelina’s husband can easily imagine the facial expression that followed, as well as the chuckle. Those who don’t, well you can wait for the movie — as part of an on-the-job program sponsored by Alu Like, Island Planet One Productions and a team of Native Hawaiian media trainees are producing a short documentary about Angelina’s walk.

By the way, Angelina raved about the treatment she got under Susan’s care. As she filled in the details, she seemed most grateful for the prayers that went into her “baby toes,” which are also starting to blister. “They are not used to being shut up in shoes all day,” explained Angelina. We managed to get in a short interview with Susan outside her home as Angelina prepared for the massage — enough time to appreciate what a beautiful connection would be created when these two women went into the healing session. While the matter at hand was soon to be ‘feet,’ what brought these women together is far deeper.

Equally uplifting is the support Angelina is receiving along the way. “People are stopping their cars and getting out to hug me,” she said with gratitude. “Of course, then I get all emotional.” Angelina also reported that the awareness is building and many more people are tuning in to the radio spots (and reports like this) to keep up with her progress.

Angelina and Randy are due in Hilo today at about 1:00 p.m. They ended yesterday at the 11-mile marker on the Hilo-Volcano Highway and will pass through Kea`au in early morning. When we spoke on Friday, Angelina said she wasn’t quite sure who would be there to greet her. If you happen to be in Hilo today, stop by Wailoa Center to meet Angelina and Randy and learn why they have taken to the streets over the issue of special needs children. If you are really inspired, you could join in as she makes her way to Onomea Bay where her 20-mile daily constitutional ends.

Ahhh.... Downhill June 12, 7:30 am

Angelina called from her cell phone around 7:30 am and is already almost 10 miles into her walk for today. She said she went to bed at 6:30 pm last evening and was up again at 4:00 am ready to go. She's feeling good and is happy to be going downhill today.

The massage from Suzanne was "fabulous". Suzanne massaged, chanted and prayed over her blisters and Angelina said it was a "miracle" for her feet. The cell phone connection was cutting out so she said they would call later.

Day 5 is Done! June 12, 2:20 pm

Here is the lastest update that came in via email from Chuck.

Angelina has finished the downhill from Volcano and day 5!!!  She's at mile marker 11 in Kurtistown and has now walked 100 miles.

It was a very emotional day for Angelina as she realized the half-point is coming up fast.  During the day, people stopped on the side on the road and got out of their cars to hug.

Randy and Angelina's hosts for this evening are Russ and Valerie Nakao. 
Mahalo for the hospitality!

She's doing well, but has some pain, so volunteer massage therapists would be appreciated.

More News from the Road June 11, middle of the night

We received an overnight update from roving reporter Kristine:

We found Angelina and Randy Lovato in the back of their rental van enjoying the cool, fragrant air of Volcano National Park late Thursday afternoon — she positioned on an ice chest with her blistered foot on another platform and he hard at work tending the injury. When we talked by phone earlier in the day, Randy described the blister as “the alien baby” and, up close, the description seems apt. Roughly the diameter of a small kukui nut, it is the biggest blister I have ever seen. Positioned on her right heel it was previously lanced, and now medicated, bandaged and wrapped with loving care as the interview proceeds.

After 80 miles in four days, Angelina is glowing and it’s not from over-exposure to the sun; it is an inner glow. Wrapped in a beautiful pareau she received from Nita Pilago during the kick-off event at Kealakekua Elementary, Angelina is every bit the wahine toa — for which Nita’s line is named. A black tatau-inspired design spreads across the deep fuchsia fabric as Angelina is posed like that most famous portrait of Queen Ka`ahumanu — not because she wants to appear grand but because in the cramped aft quarters of the van this is the best way for Randy to get at her foot. Still the effect is powerful and her determination palpable.

Angelina is effusive and has a lot to share. She comments on the angle of the road — “You think you are walking flat but the road is actually tilted” — and pokes fun at some supporters who sit outside the van. As it turns out, the uphill trek (from sea level to about 4,000 ft. elevation) completed today was far easier than expected. “It was as if Madame Pele was drawing me up the hill,” Angelina explains before giving an account of the double rainbow that came as a sign during that revelation. In the middle of the interview, a cell phone rings — it is a dear friend from Arizona calling in to wish Angelina and Randy well. “I’ll call you again tomorrow . . . love you.” Rainbows and ringtones, that’s what keeps this strong woman going.

With his doctoring finished, Randy takes up a container of poke fish and serving of rice that have been waiting for him. In a pre-walk interview, he said it was his primary responsibility to support Angelina and, after performing that duty well, he turns to his own needs. Today’s commitment included taking over for a short bit of the walk — “about five miles” — as Angelina rested her blistered foot in the van.

The plan for the rest of the evening includes lomi-lomi at Hale Ho`ola — a nearby spa operated by Hawaiian healing practitioner Susan Woolley. We tag along to shoot some footage of that experience. I’ll end this update by reporting that last time I saw Angelina, she was once again in very good hands.

Angelina Update June 11, 8:00 am

I just talked to Angelina on her cell. The coverage isn't very good in the area she is walking so I didn't get a lot of information. She completed her walk yesterday. It rained around Naalehu and she sat it out for a while in the van. But she said after it stopped the weather was gorgeous and she saw several rainbows.

Larry took a small tub, some epsom salts and antibiotic ointment to meet her at the camping site. Randy and Larry performed some first aid on her feet and that one big blister. She said it looks really good today. She is aware that it is there but it is much more comfortable today. She said "it looks good".

Right now she is walking near the 45 mile marker and has reached the 2000 foot level. She is on her way up to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at 4000 feet. It's an uphill day but she sounds very energetic.

Larry should be bringing me some photos later.

Fourth Day Complete! June 11, 7:20 pm

Special thanks go out to Suzanne Woolley of Hale Ho'ola Spa for donating massage services for Angelina this evening.

Here are the pictures we promised. They were taken June 8th and 9th.

Angelina's Walk for Special Needs Kids

West and South Hawaii

Angelina Sounds Great June 10, 7:25 am

Angelina called from her cell phone this morning. She sounds so full of energy. They got an early start this morning. She was walking by 5:45 am. She has already rounded the bend at South Point and was on her way into Naalehu. The only issue so far continues to be her blisters. She gave them a good soak last night and treated them with antiseptic. Randy put on moleskin so she says she's doing fine with it. At least it's not on the bottom of her foot.

She spoke with Myna Bird in the Morning again today around 7. Lyman and Kahikina will call her between 4 and 5 pm. So if you are near your radio, tune in around those times. She said she will have the opportunity to get the message out about the future goals for those with special needs, like a supervised living facility for when they graduate high school.

We'll be sending Randy a flash drive today so we can get more pictures for the site as well as a tub for soaking her feet. Keep sending those messages for her. We'll read them over the phone until she can get to an internet connection.

West Hawaii Today published a photo of Angelina and Randy along with an extensive caption in the paper today. You can check it out online here.

On the Road Again June 9, 8:00 am

We just talked to Angelina on her cell phone and she has already walked over 3 miles today. She sounds great. She said that yesterday felt good. When she finished she had a soak and a shower and a massage then a great dinner provided by her friends. She does have a couple blisters on her right foot but they don't hurt. She thinks they are from walking on the canted shoulder of the road. She walked on the right side yesterday and is now walking on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

We read her the great email messages she has been receiving. More donations are coming in as well so keep those coming to help inspire her.

Randy will be uploading some photos from the walk later today and we'll get them up here as soon as we can.

There was a video piece about Angelina's walk on the KGMB 9 news last night about 10:15 pm. We weren't able to find it on their web site yet, but if we do, we'll link to it here.

Second Day Successfully Completed June 9, 7:15 pm

Randy just called to give us today's update. The second day went well and Angelina is feeling good. She is very strong. The blister on her right foot is getting bigger but is not hurting. The massage today was helpful.

There is no internet service where they are staying for the next few nights so it will be a few days before we can get some pictures. We will try to have someone on the support team take a flash drive tomorrow so maybe we can get some photos a little sooner.

The DJs from the local radio stations have been on the phone with Angelina. Myna Bird in the Morning talked her on her cell this morning around 7 am. Lyman and Kahikina called her between 4 and 5 pm. So if you are near your radio and can tune in around those times, they will most likely call her again.

Mary & Kuu met Angelina today at the end of her walk and brought her a strawberry milkshake. The road construction crews and the workers trimming trees and foliage along the highway have been great and very supportive by offering encouragement and even water. The honks, waves and greetings from the passing motorists are much appreciated.

This just in from another "reporter": At about 7:40 this evening, I received an update on how Day Two of Angelina’s walk went, this from her husband Randy.  He reported Angelina made her goal for the day, finishing at the 71-mile marker around 3 p.m. Randy described the weather as “favorable,” in this case overcast, making it a “good day for walking.”

“The sun wasn’t beating down on Angelina,” he said in a phone message left on my cell just before he and Angelina were heading for bed.

As for how Angelina is holding up, Randy said she has a blister that is a “little bit of a concern,” on the side of one foot, although he didn’t say which one. He also reported that she has a few small ones on her toes. “Nothing bad, really.”

It was easy to imagine Randy making this assessment while massaging his wife’s feet.  On the night before Angelina set out, I had the pleasure of staying with the Lovatos at their home in Kealakekua and learned that providing this service was going to be one of Randy’s main duties, second only to keeping her safe.

Add to the comforting image of a foot massage, news of a “wonderful meal of vegetarian tostadas” made by the Lovato’s Ka’u hostess Deborah, and you can rest assured that Angelina is in good hands for the night.

More tomorrow.

She's Off! June 8, 9:00 am

Angelina received a rousing send off at Konawaena Elementary this morning. We will be posting updates from her along the way as soon as we get them. So check back often to track her progress around the island. In the meantime, here are some photos from the assembly at the school.

Angelina's Walk for Special Needs Kids

June 8, 2009 8:30-9:00 AM Send-Off

June 8 at 5:00 PM HST: We just got a call that Angelina has successfully finished the first 20 mile leg of her journey and was met by journalists. Check the Hawaii TV news tonight to see if she is on.

Click Here to Read Angelina's "Talk Story"