When Auni Naulu still could not sit up at six months old, her parents knew something was wrong. Caitlin and Dallin took Auni to a neurologist who diagnosed her with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy, a rare disease that causes muscle weakness and degeneration. This diagnosis meant Auni would not be able to sit up, support any of her own weight, or breathe normally, and she would likely die very young—which happened on September 11th, 2015 as the family lost their precious daughter despite their loving care and support. In the face of tragedy, the community stepped up to help.
Various fundraisers, charity events, anonymous gifts from friends, and even the proceeds from a Sip-N-Spot spot drink named after Auni were donated to the family. Caitlin and Dallin were incredibly touched. “It’s been hard to be on the receiving end of so much service, but it has changed how we treat others…. It showed me you never know what people are going through,” Dallin said.
Dallin was a standout receiver at Spanish Fork, being named an all-state player for them his senior season in 2007. Caitlin was also a part of the close-knit Spanish Fork community, graduating from the school in 2010. Spanish Fork High School football coach, Jordan Smith, wanted the football team to help them.
The football team and Smith decided to help the Naulu family by holding an “Anything for Auni” blackout game. PROLOOK donated blackout jerseys to the entire team in honor of Auni. Fundraising took place throughout the game and the family was honored at half-time in a touching celebration of Auni’s life, as hundreds of purple and orange balloons—the colors of spinal muscular atrophy— were released by Spanish Fork students in honor of Auni. Following the game, the blackout jerseys were auctioned by the school and all funds went directly to the family.
“We’re excited and happy to do this and … maybe help them in any way that we can,” Smith said. “Obviously it’s so difficult to lose a child, but I hope … this can help financially, emotionally and kind of be somewhat of a relief and a help for them.”
At PROLOOK, we strive to give back to our community, especially those who are struggling. We are grateful that we were able to play a part in supporting the wonderful Naulu family in their time of need. If you know of anyone in great need, please send their story to us at prolookgivesback@prolook.com.
#PROLOOKGIVESBACK
~ Honored PROLOOK could be a part of the black out game, all the love to the Naulu family.