“My Heart Aches”: As Tragedy Engulfs Maui, Mikaela Shiffrin Steps Up to the Cause

Hawaii is burning! The recent Maui wildfires are one of the worst natural disasters ever faced by the islands of Hawaii. According to local authorities, more than 55 people have died so far while another 1000 are missing. Reports also indicate that more than 2000 people have been vacated from the island of Maui. As authorities continue to look for survivors and missing persons, lack of cell phone connectivity and power is proving a challenge to locate the missing people. A number of locals have been working tirelessly to provide water, food, and shelter to survivors.

At the same time, a number of athletes like Kelly Slater, Kai Lenny, and Dwyane Wade have been doing all they can for Maui. Joining them now is an alpine skiing legend, Mikaela Shiffrin, who is doing her part for the island she holds dear. Shiffrin’s Instagram feed is full of information on how to help Maui. She has been posting stories in a bid to get more help for Hawaii and her recent heartfelt Instagram post is a reflection of her connection with the island of Maui.

Mikaela Shiffrin shows her support for Maui

Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin has an old connection with Maui. Taking to her Instagram, Shiffrin shared an emotional post with a powerful caption that featured a couple of her old family pictures from their time when they visited Maui.

What was extremely painful were the second last and last pictures of her post, which showcased a before and after a glimpse of Maui. One could see the devastation faced by the island in the aftermath of the wildfires.

A part of the skier’s caption read “I am at a complete loss for words with the heartbreaking and devastating reality in a place that I love so much and have so many beautiful family memories, Maui.”

Shiffrin’s caption also highlighted the pain of Maui locals who have been grappling with the aftermath of the wildfires. In her caption, she talked about the historic town of Lāhainā, which is a significant hub within the Hawaiian Kingdom that holds religious and spiritual importance.

The Olympian also revealed that the town had been an important part of thousands of locals and the home to numerous small businesses, all of which have now been consumed by the flames. Shiffrin not only shared her grief, but she also channeled it into action by urging her followers and supporters to join her in raising awareness about the dire situation in Maui. However, Shiffrin isn’t the only athlete who is generating support for Maui.

The surfing community gets behind Maui

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing and has witnessed some epic surfers over the years. Now these very surfers are coming together to provide help and rebuild their playground together. Legendary surfer Kelly Slater is heading a team of surfers that are planning to send boats, supplies, and money to the affected people of Hawaii. As Slater and the surfing community organize their support, American big wave surfer Kai Lenny is helping on the ground. Lenny, who resides in Maui, has been constantly using his social media reach to gather funds and other help. He is also distributing food and water to relief camps all over the island.

Read more: After Devastating Fire Takes 36 Lives in Hawaii, Magic Johnson, Dwyane Wade and Thousands More Join Hands in Prayer

As the surfing community does its bit, Shiffrin has requested her followers to consider contributing to vetted disaster relief organizations that have been recommended by her local friends on the island. These organizations include @mauifoodbank, @hawaiicommunityfoundation, @mauirapidresponse, and @mauihumanesociety, among others, which have been actively engaged in reducing suffering in Hawaii. Shiffrin also encouraged people to share reliable and credible sources of assistance in the comments section of her post, which she will then help amplify to a wider audience through her social reach.

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