My name is Tiffany Fonohema, and I am honored to share my story with you today. It is a story of survival, resilience, and the power of community support.On January 24, 2018, my life changed forever. What started as a simple cold turned into double pneumonia, then sepsis—giving me only a 10% chance of survival. One moment, I was a busy mom of five, preparing for a family trip, running my household, and managing my work. The next, I was in a coma, fighting for my life.
When I woke up nearly a month later, I was met with a reality I never could have imagined. My arms and legs had been ravaged by the infection, turning dark and lifeless. My husband, Moe, was by my side, shielding me from the shock and calmly explaining that amputation was necessary to save my life. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t speak—everything I had once done with ease was now an unimaginable challenge.
By March 1st, I was a quadruple amputee. The road to recovery was long—six months in the hospital, multiple surgeries, and the overwhelming process of relearning how to live. But through it all, my family and community lifted me up. My husband became my rock, my caregiver, and my motivation. My children reminded me daily why I had to keep pushing forward.
Over the past six years, I’ve learned that we are so much stronger than we think. I’ve found ways to navigate life’s daily challenges, but more importantly, I’ve discovered a passion for helping others facing trauma and life-altering disabilities.
That’s why we started 4 Gone Still Strong—a support network dedicated to uplifting others through their healing journeys. We know firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that comes with trauma, and our goal is to provide hope, resources, and a sense of community to those who need it most.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking support to expand our reach, provide assistance to more individuals, and offer critical resources to families navigating life after tragedy. Your generosity could help fund mobility devices, emotional support programs, and mentorship initiatives that change lives.
I stand before you today not just as a survivor but as someone determined to pay forward the kindness and support that saved me. With your help, we can make a lasting impact on those who need it most.Thank you for your time, your consideration, and for believing in the power of resilience and community.
