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Teen becomes caregiver for cancer-stricken parents: 'It's all love'

MAUI, Hawaii - Sekope Sharits will turn 17 years old in August, but any celebration will be overshadowed by a daunting challenge: being the caretaker for his parents who were both recently diagnosed with cancer.His mother, Siu Ako Tolutau Sharits, 40, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April. His father, Kenneth, 52, is battling lymphoma after being diagnosed a few weeks ago.

Both parents are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Neither one is able to work."I honestly felt like the world was starting to become against me," Sekope told FOX Television Stations.

"We have one heck of a road ahead of us."Sekope Sharits and his family. (Credit: Siu Ako Tolutau Sharits) Sekope said there are no typical days, but usually, he wakes up in the mornings and tends to his parents’ needs such as administering their medicines, getting his father to exercise, and running errands for his mother.

He also takes care of his 11-year-old brother."Some people say it’s a lot to bear, but I do it out of my love for my parents," Sekope continued. "It’s all love for my parents."But Sekope said the medical and household bills are adding up— such as food and clothes.

The family said medical and disability insurance helps out a little, but they’re racking up thousands of dollars in payments.RELATED: Study suggests genetic cancer risks could be enhanced by metabolism"We still got to take care of my mom’s ambulance rides...hospital stay," he added."We got my ambulance bill which is $1,800 and we’re not that far from the hospital," Siu explained. "Not looking forward to the mailbox with all those bills but it’s going to come soon, slowly.""Some people say it’s a lot to bear, but I do it out of my love for my parents," Sharits saidA GoFundMe page

. medicines bill patient
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Europe's top spring break destinations eclipse US beaches as travelers flock overseas - fox29.com - Usa - Italy - Britain - state California - state Florida - San Francisco - city London - county Hall - city Columbia, Britain - city Phoenix - state Hawaii - county Maui - city Rome, Italy
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Europe's top spring break destinations eclipse US beaches as travelers flock overseas
View of the Colosseum in 2011 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Santi Visalli/Getty Images) Spring break outings are often defined by parties and trips to beaches in California, Florida and Hawaii — however, new data shows a growing interest in international travel among Americans.Less conventional destinations, particularly in Europe, have replaced longstanding favorite locations such as Orlando, Phoenix and Maui atop many Americans' travel itineraries. Many report lower prices, fairer weather and loosening COVID-19 restrictions across the globe as driving factors in their shift toward the likes of London, Rome and British Columbia.10 SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER IF YOU'RE TRAVELING OUT OF THE COUNTRY FOR SPRING BREAKWhat is driving this change?After years of visiting national parks, wide-open nature retreats, and domestic tropical island getaways during the pandemic, Americans are showing renewed interest in travel this spring."Interest in international travel is increasing given the favorable exchange rate for Americans," Philip Ballard, the Florida-based chief communications officer of HotelPlanner, told the Associated Press. "For example, we're seeing about a 20% increase in U.K.-bound bookings because the U.S.
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