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Contact: Liberty Peralta
Email: lperalta@pbshawaii.org
Phone: 808.973.1383

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HIKI NŌ: Cerebral palsy doesn’t dampen Kauai brothers’ love for running

HONOLULU, HI – Joshua Iloreta has cerebral palsy, and with his brother Jason’s help, they’ve worked out a way to continue enjoying a sport they love: long-distance running. This report from Kapaa High School students on Kauai is highlighted on the mid-season premiere of HIKI NŌ, premiering Thursday, January 14 at 7:30 pm on PBS Hawaii.

Jason pushes Joshua in a race-designed wheelchair as he runs. Their participation in long-distance races is part of an awareness campaign the brothers started, called “I Am My Ability, I Am Not My Disability.” Their intent is to spread awareness that cerebral palsy does not impair people’s cognition and intelligence and that they can lead fulfilling and productive lives with the condition. Their goal is to someday do a full marathon together.

McKinley High School students host this episode of HIKI NŌ. Also featured on this episode:

• Students from Waianae Intermediate School on Oahu tell the story of Lorenzo Taguro-Bear, an outgoing young leader who, unbeknownst to his peers and advisors at the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, used to live in a homeless encampment in Waianae.
• Students from Kapaa Middle School on Kauai present a primer on how to make friends.
• Students at Sacred Hearts Academy in Kaimuki feature their science teacher Erin Flynn, who inspires her students to shatter the stereotype that science is for boys.
• Expanding on the theme of breaking gender-based stereotypes, we revisit a story from the HIKI NŌ archives by Aliamanu Middle School on Oahu about a girls’ flight school.
• Students from Seabury Hall Middle School on Maui feature John Plunkett, who tells the heartfelt story of his family’s deep connection to their homeland of Kihei, Maui.

This episode will be posted online after the broadcast premiere: pbshawaii.org/hikino

PBS Hawaiʻi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Hawaii’s sole member of the trusted Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). We advance learning and discovery through storytelling that profoundly touches people’s lives. We bring the world to Hawaii and Hawaii to the world. PBSHawaii.org | facebook.com/pbshawaii | @pbshawaii