Yes Education was established in 2010 with a mission to nurture positive values and life skills among children in Hawai‘i’s Ko‘olauloa community. Over the past decade, our organization has developed a range of youth-centered programs—such as after-school enrichment clubs, mentorship sessions, and school spirit campaigns—that foster creativity, character, and self-esteem. Our team is composed of experienced educators, youth counselors, and creative professionals who work collaboratively with local leaders and volunteers, ensuring that our initiatives align with the cultural and educational needs of the community. From cultivating virtues like love, honesty, and gratitude to exploring imaginative design strategies, we have remained committed to helping young learners internalize key principles for lifelong success.

Building on this track record of community engagement, Yes Education is now broadening its scope to address critical health and wellness issues affecting island residents of all ages. Through our latest undertaking, “Taking Responsibility and Control of Your Health: A Holistic Action Plan for Hawai‘i for Managing Sleep Apnea,” we seek to empower adults—particularly Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities living on all Hawaiian islands—by providing accessible, medically informed information. By merging evidence-based research with our proven creative approach, we aim to deliver clear, easy-to-understand resources that inspire individuals to recognize risk factors, adopt healthy habits, and advocate for their well-being.

Severe sleep apnea recently landed our nonprofit’s president in the hospital, and following his release, he made a vow to write a book warning others about the dangers of leaving sleep apnea untreated.

Sleep apnea is a prevalent yet under-recognized condition, affecting an estimated 15-20% of adults in Hawaiʻi. This disorder not only contributes to reduced quality of life—manifesting as fatigue, cardiovascular complications, and cognitive impairment—but also often goes undiagnosed or undertreated, especially within Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities. Further complicating matters are geographic and cultural barriers: people living in rural or neighbor island areas face reduced access to sleep specialists, while cultural stigmas may limit willingness to seek care.

Opportunity
A comprehensive, easy-to-understand book focusing on the unique needs of Hawaiʻi residents can serve as a valuable resource. Such a publication can help readers:
Recognize sleep apnea symptoms and risk factors specific to local demographics.

Understand culturally aligned, holistic interventions, including nutrition, traditional practices, and modern medicine.

Become advocates for their own health and well-being.

Population to Benefit
Primary beneficiaries: Adults in Hawaiʻi, particularly NHPI communities, estimated at over 300,000 individuals at heightened risk for sleep disorders due to higher rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Secondary beneficiaries: Healthcare providers, public health professionals, policymakers, and community organizations seeking culturally tailored educational material.

By creating a 50-page book, “Breathing Easy: Taking Responsibility and Control of Health: A Holistic Action Plan for Hawai‘i for Managing Sleep Apnea,” we will equip local residents with accessible knowledge and a clear useful roadmap to manage or even prevent sleep apnea. I will add a medical disclaimer in the book.

(No Capital Request is made here for a facility; rather, this request is focused on covering the research, writing, design, printing, and distribution of the book.)

Goal
To research, write, publish, and widely distribute a 50-page book through amazon.com designed to educate and empower Hawaiʻi residents in effectively recognizing and managing sleep apnea.
Research and Content Development

Description: Gather the latest medical research on sleep apnea, incorporate cultural practices and dietary guidelines relevant to Hawaiʻi, and consult with sleep specialists, cultural practitioners, and local healthcare professionals such as Apria.

Rationale: Hawaiʻi’s unique population mix and geographic considerations necessitate a localized approach that blends Western medical knowledge with traditional Hawaiian healing perspectives.

Writing and Editing

Description: Organize findings into user-friendly chapters (e.g., overview of sleep apnea, lifestyle adjustments, community resources, personal testimonies, etc.). Employ plain language to maximize accessibility.

Rationale: A clear, engaging format increases readership and retention of information.

Design and Layout

Description: Incorporate visuals, infographics, and local imagery to ensure the text is culturally resonant and visually appealing.

Rationale: Eye-catching design and culturally relevant imagery will foster trust and make learning more approachable.

Publication (Physical and Digital Formats)

Description: Print and distribute physical copies to medical clinics, libraries, community centers, and partner organizations. Release an eBook version for broader digital access across all islands in multiple languages for the rest of the world.

Rationale: Multiple formats lower barriers to access and accommodate varying technological capabilities.

Promotion and Community Outreach

Description: Host launch events, workshops, and reading circles across all major islands. Use social media campaigns and partnerships with local media outlets to raise awareness.

Rationale: Active promotion ensures the resource reaches those most in need—particularly residents with limited internet connectivity or limited access to specialized care.

Program Timeline

Months 1–3: Research and outline the book chapters; form the advisory board (comprised of health professionals and cultural experts).

Months 4–6: Conduct in-depth interviews, gather case studies, and complete the initial draft. Begin editing process.

Months 7–8: Finalize editing, design, and layout. Prepare for printing and digital production.

Months 9–10: Print and distribute the book to key community outlets; publish and upload the eBook version.

Months 11–12: Conduct promotional events, community workshops, and gather initial feedback from readers and healthcare providers.

Past Results and Achievements
Our founder has previously experienced the harmful effects of ignoring severe sleep apnea. He was fortunate to survive the sudden negative impact which left him in a coma. During his recovery, he promised himself he would write about his experience to alert others to avoid the same path that led to severe health challenges. We believe a publication on sleep apnea will have a lasting positive impact.