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.