16-year old Keanan Block is a healthy high school junior.

Two months ago, he wasn’t.

It was the Iolani junior’s birthday when he discovered he was bleeding internally. Turns out, he needed over 11 units of blood.

“The best way I can describe receiving blood is that it's almost as if you're taking in air after holding in air for a really long time. You just feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders and you feel so much better - a million times better,” Block said.

After spending numerous hours in the hospital, doctors found what they called a “very suspicious” area in his intestine. They cauterized the area or removed the area. Block is now able to go back to playing tennis and karate - two sports he loves.

“I feel completely back to normal and everyone's treating me like normal and I've never felt so happy to be normal again,” Block said.

Frank De Lima, winner of 12 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and one of Hawaii’s most popular comedians, will be the featured performer for the One-Year Anniversary Celebration of the new Manoa Public Library on Saturday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m.  The Friends of Manoa Public Library is sponsoring this free event in the Programming Room.

The “Portuguese Prince of Hawaiian Comedy” has been entertaining local residents and tourists alike for more than 30 years with his zany parodies, outrageous sense of humor, and spontaneous creativity.  De Lima’s specialty is translating issues – such as current events, fads, attitudes, and people – into musical parodies. 

In addition to comedy, De Lima is passionate about helping Hawaii’s students understand the importance of education by reading, studying, and using public libraries.

Information courtesy: Mayor Kirk Caldwell's office: