Windward Pediatrics is the oldest pediatric practice, founded by the first pediatrician in Kāne‘ohe, and continues to put our community first. Seeing the pandemic’s impact on local families, president Dr. Greg Yim along with his wife, Shirley, and children Becky, Connor and Kaity spearheaded a food drive, donating 200 bags of food to Windward Pediatrics patients and others in the community in need.

Many others came together to support the initiative: Canned goods and $15,000 were donated by friends to purchase the food locally from Tamura’s Supermarket in Wai‘anae, which president Jill Tamura-McCleary generously sold at-cost. 200 logo bags were donated by Punahou parent Kerry Lam, while Shelly Choy, another Punahou parent, sewed and donated 500 keiki masks. Mano Ho‘okano, parent of Dr. Yim’s patients, marinated 200 pounds of chicken to hand out, and HNL Collective cofounder Jet Toner and other Punahou alumni did the heavy lifting and volunteered the day of the drive, which was just two weeks later on May 16.

“COVID-19 has been truly devastating,” says Dr. Yim. “But it’s also strengthened us as a community. Even keeping six feet apart, you can still feel that connectedness while working together. That’s an amazing feeling.”

Another silver lining, he says, is that the pandemic reinforces the importance of vaccinations. Until the development of their vaccines, diseases such as measles and polio were highly contagious and potentially deadly—just like coronavirus. “Now we’re seeing firsthand how devastating it can be. Vaccinations are crucial for protecting everyone, not just our keiki.” A third silver lining: Sheltering in place has compelled insurance companies to reimburse telemedicine delivery of medical care. Virtual appointments deliver effective medical care that is safe for the patients as well as their physicians that should continue beyond this pandemic.

“It’s important that we embrace solutions and hope,” says Dr. Yim. “I love my patients, I love this place I live in and I love mentoring the next generation. We can make it through this pandemic—together.”

Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, 1319 Punahou St., Suite 1000, Honolulu, HI 96826, (808) 946-4474, windward pediatrics.com

Windward Pediatrics, Inc.  45-710 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744, (808) 247-6644