Introducing Elie Hulfich

By Karen Welsh

All that glitters is not gold, but in the case of East Hawaii resident Elie Hulfich, it's true. It only takes a few seconds to realize Elie is the real deal. A very special person. An incredible human being.
She's often seen walking up or down Haili Street in the heart of Hilo Town, usually on her way to the YWCA's swimming pool for water aerobics or swimming practice or to the bowling alley to throw a few strikes, always hoping and praying to win a few medals when she competes in the Special Olympics.
Sometimes Elie impresses those who pass by when she wears the five medals she's already won for swimming and greeting people during the sporting events.
Hidden behind her big glasses and smile is an independent and determined woman. It's taken this 48-year-old lady many years of hard work to get where she is today, and she doesn't want that to change.
"People don't want me to be independent," Elie emphatically stated. "They think I'm slow because I have difficulty reading. I think it's a shame because I can think for myself. I can make up my own mind because I am independent."
Elie was born in Peoria Illinois, but moved with her parents, Bill and Patricia, to Rangoon, India when she was a little child. Once there, her father ran a lumber mill and the parents had a farm, growing potatoes, corn and soybeans.
Elie struggled in school, but her strong will and fierce spirit kept her going. As she reached adulthood, Elie felt the tug to venture out into life on her own. Her parents, however, were very protective and wanted to shelter Elie from the hardships she would face.
"I told them I'm a big girl now," she remembered. "I wanted to learn things on my own. I wanted to be independent, but they didn't want me to be independent for a long time and that aggravated me."
Elie moved, once again, with her family to Hilo after her parents retired from their life in India. Elie continued to live at home, but found a job working at Good Will, folding clothes and stocking the racks.
Her sister, Mary, came to Elie's rescue after both her parents passed away. She was able to find Elie a place where she could live on her own. And, although Elie missed her parents terribly, she enjoys her freedom.
To get through each and every day, Elie said she relies on her relationship with God. This special woman said she talks to the Lord and draws upon her faith and she does what the Bible says--she doesn't gossip or steal from people.
Elie also takes her sports competition for the Special Olympics very seriously. Working in the program has given her confidence, physical strength and boosted her self-esteem.
"I had to overcome to win the medals," Elie said as she lifted the shiny gold circle hanging from her neck. "Exercise is good for me. I've been losing weight and it makes me feel a lot better. Winning the medals makes me feel good. I'm real happy."
There are some frustrations in her life. The most difficult thing for Elie to endure is dealing with other grownups who want to treat her like a child.
"I want to be treated like an adult, not yelled at," she said. "I just want to be talked to like an adult."
Mostly, Elie tries to stay positive and encourage other people to persevere when they have to wait for something they really want.
"People should keep trying when they want to do things," Elie said. "They should have hope that things can change, because, they changed for me. I hope these medals send a message to be kind and be brave and for people like me to pursue their dreams and keep with it even though it's hard work."
Auntie Elie, your biggest medal is your heart of gold, tried and true. Mahalo for showing everyone in East Hawaii how to run the human race. We're all winners now.