Makana IS OUR GIFT

This is Makana K, lovingly known as "Kana". She was born with a heart condition, referred to as third degree heart block, in November 2005.

Kana is a little warrior, filled to the brim with so much love in her heart, a smile that lights up the room, an infectious laugh and a zest for life that she loves to share with her family and friends. For anyone who knows Kana, she is also described as being a bit "feisty", always standing up for what is "right" and is a loyal and compassionate daughter, big sister, granddaughter, niece and friend. She loves arts and crafts, spending time with her family and friends and is very active with her Girl Scout Troop. She has a huge heart for helping others and has the natural ability to put a smile on anyone's face that she meets!! It's no coincidence that her name, "Makana", translates to "GIFT" in Hawaiian. She is truly our gift from God.

At the tender, young age of 6, she had her first surgery and received a pacemaker. This device gave her quality of life up until recently. In September of 2016 Kana had her second surgery for mitro valve repair. A few short months later, in December 2016, Kana was not feeling well. At a scheduled consult with a heart specialist at the Children's Hopsital of LA, her heart levels were found to be at a critical level once the testing was done. Thankfully, she was admitted right away to the CTICU and has been monitored and kept "stable" with the aid of various heart medications administered through iv. As time went on, her condition was getting worse and on February 8th, the doctors performed the "LVAD" (Left Ventricular Assist Device) surgery that would help keep her heart functioning properly until a heart donor match would become available. On the morning of February 12th, her parents - Lisa and Greg received word that they found a potential heart donor and in the early morning hours of February 13th, Kana underwent the 5 hour surgery of the heart transplant. Our prayers were answered!! The doctors are amazed at how well and quickly Kana is recovering from this surgery and anticipate her to be able to, finally, go home in the next couple of weeks.

Through love and a collaborative effort from friends and family of Kana, we are setting up this GoFundMe campaign.

Funds raised will go towards hospital/medical expenses incurred over the past three months and aftercare. Also to honor Kana's wishes to become a Junior Ambassador for the Children's Hospital of LA, as well as possibly help to fund and support such causes as the Amerman Family Dog Therapy and the Child Life programs. Last, but certainly not least, she would like to make a donation to the Heart Institute at the Children's Hospital of LA to THANK everyone for the awesome and loving care they all provided to her throughout this whole process and to give hope and inspiration to others in need of heart surgery/transplant.

We, Kana, Lisa, Greg and Evan all appreciate the outpouring of love, support and prayers you have given. God is good and He has heard each an every one of our prayers!! Please continue to keep Kana and her family in your prayers.

Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to the family who lost their loved one much too soon on this earth. We would like for this amazing family to know how grateful we all are and that Kana will serve this beautiful heart so well with love, care, compassion and never taking for granted that her heart beats strong because of the love and consideration of the family who chose to give life in the midst of their darkest hour. (donor remains anonymous)

THANK YOU!!!!