(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11)
“The possibility of surgery was a scary
prospect for me because I knew what
it entailed,” Michael said. “I couldn’t
imagine cutting off my bone and
sticking some steel hardware in there.”
Michael is a classically trained dancer
with experience in ballet, tap and other
forms of dance. His resume includes
appearances on Broadway. “In dance,
your instrument is a very fine-tuned,
delicate one, so I just thought ‘I can’t cut
into this,’ he said. “But 15 seconds into
the consultation, I was sold. Dr. Naka-
sone’s explanation was just clear, lucid
and confident, and I told him, ‘OK, I’m
in with you. I trust you.’”
Michael had double hip replacement
surgery in May 2018. Four months after
the procedure, he’s ready to return to
teaching dance classes. Shigeko has
also regained her sense of taste, is
feeling better and is back to enjoying
good food with friends and family.
“It has been a really profound experience
for both of us because it has made us
truly grateful for life itself,” Michael
explained. Shigeko added that she
hopes people will financially support
Straub because, “At Straub, you
immediately get the feeling that they
are going to take care of you. It’s not just
a hospital. People should give to keep
that kind of care.”
With their challenges behind them,
the two are living a new dream—
sharing their passions in Hawai‘i.
Michael is teaching tap dance and
Shigeko is cooking, baking and enter-
taining. Considering all they’ve been
through, it seems nothing will slow this
couple down.
Michael and Shigeko drinking
tea at home in Waikiki.
12
INSPIRE
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