Although it's hard to believe, but Darlene Takagi struggles against demons. She was ridiculed and outcast by other children her own age. Born in Fargo, ND to a Japanese father and a Native American mother, Takagi was raised in Los Angeles. She went through a horrifying childhood. Her father never bothered to conceal his disappointment that he had a daughter instead of a son. A son would have fit better into his scheme of life "She had all these responsilities at a young age, " says family friend Rory Fisher "Her father telling her how she should be" It wasn't easy growing up with her father. "She never talked about her father, " says Rory "If it ever came up in conversation, Darlene would change the subject. She felt a bit alone" With her mother leaving when she was 17, things got worse. With her father's death a few days before christmas in 1988, Takagi felt abandoned and was lost in knowing what to do. She had no idea where her mother was. Her one true friend had her move in with him after her father's death because he was concerned for her well being. They were married in 1992 and divorced within three years due to a repeat of her childhood. Takagi has become a benefactor, who gave but never asked for anything in return. "Darlene has this incredible shyness," says close friend Caper "She's got that sweet soulfullness. Darlene's generosity knew no limits. She was built to take people at face value. To find what's good about them, pull it out and expand on it"
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