Jah's Breast Cancer Warriors
Donation protected
God has a plan for us all. A purpose and sometimes it takes us down so many paths but the important thing to keep in mind is focusing on Him. Like anyone I have had my trauma, drama, ups, and down. Life is full of joy, sorrow, awe, and unknowns. Even now after a year and a half I am still growing into new areas of life with wander.
In June 2019 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer; Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). My oncologist gave a diagnosis of 1 to 2 years to live depending on how treatment goes. The cancer is so aggressive that it has mastectomized to my brain, lungs, spine, bone, and liver.
I don't believe anyone, such as myself, would believe they would have cancer. I am no stranger to suffering, but I am a warrior in all things. A victor. I moved to Maui in 2008 as a social worker to help other people, to be with ohana (family), and stay the course of my spiritual destiny that Ke Akua (God) had mapped out; working with high risks children and adults. While assimilating within an amazing culture the power and the majesty of the ocean filled my soul; surfing and diving. I also fell in love with the culture of the Hawaiian people that includes hula, `olelo Hawai`i, and other cultural practices. Over the years Maui became a beloved community filled ;with friends, outreach to those in need, and church. At the peak of my career working in mental health and substance abuse I was stricken with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue in 2011. Doctors said there was no cure and for 7 years, it was a battle with pain management, including rehabilitation. Soon after I left my job the illness become bed bound, and I was unable to participate in all the activities I was so engrossed in. Life might seem over and very bleek. In the midst of almost unbearable pain there were challenges of depression at times wanting to give up, uncertainty of what life would be like without the safe familiars, and how to exist with extreme limitations. This is where a time of reinventing began and relying on faith in Iesu~ Jesus for perseverance. Even through the rough storms I never stopped reaching out to care for others; counseling, resourcing, and outreaches when wellness allowed it. Helping others is in my heart. From individual counseling to community disaster. I always want to support those around me in who needed aid. With the encouragement of ohana, church community ,and wisdom from Ke Akua (God), I began to recover. Nothing was going to stop me from obtaining good health and serving the Lord. The days of not being able to lift a laundry basket or crawling on the floor started to become less. A clearing in the storm surfaced with hope, renewal, and focus. Wellness was more a reality .
Disappointment and sadness filled me in most every way.The tumor was large and growing aggressively. Soon it was 10x10 cm taking up almost 3/4 of my breast. Most people, having this scenario happened to them, might lose their faith or blame Ke Akua (God), but not me. My relationship and spiritual core has only been strengthened. Going through hard times was more familiar yet the glimpse of rehabilitation with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue let me know that the creator is not done. There is a future and plan. Everyday is journey unfolding newness and intent not only for wellness, but I find to love those around me more than before. I have come to understand in the very essence of my being that, " It's not about me or even the cancer. It's about the new territories that God is taking me.
The relationships and awesome things he is doing"
The cancer in the left pelvic bone was so bad it created a fracture and I had surgery putting a steal rod with pins to stabilize. I have to use a cane for support to prevent deterioration of the left leg. In addition I got a lot of radiation on my head (10 +), my legs (20+), and my chest (15+) sessions. I have done some chemo, with plans to do more, yet with adjustments to chemo and visits to th ER we are on our way,
The fundraiser has helped me meet my basic needs and more: unpaid medical expenses that insurance will not cover, travel cost, alternative medical and complementary care; supplements, Dietary needs, also living expenses which as you know, is very expensive in Hawaii (one of the highest cost of living in the US). This is one of the most humble experiences to have constant provision from the kindness of others.
Will you join this journey with me and become one of "Jah's Warriors"?
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
What can you do? We ask that you please pule (pray) first and donate as you feel lead to do. Share Jahanna's GoFundme on your social media, and if you have any questions let us know. Mahalo nui loa. Thank you. God Bless.
In June 2019 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer; Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). My oncologist gave a diagnosis of 1 to 2 years to live depending on how treatment goes. The cancer is so aggressive that it has mastectomized to my brain, lungs, spine, bone, and liver.
I don't believe anyone, such as myself, would believe they would have cancer. I am no stranger to suffering, but I am a warrior in all things. A victor. I moved to Maui in 2008 as a social worker to help other people, to be with ohana (family), and stay the course of my spiritual destiny that Ke Akua (God) had mapped out; working with high risks children and adults. While assimilating within an amazing culture the power and the majesty of the ocean filled my soul; surfing and diving. I also fell in love with the culture of the Hawaiian people that includes hula, `olelo Hawai`i, and other cultural practices. Over the years Maui became a beloved community filled ;with friends, outreach to those in need, and church. At the peak of my career working in mental health and substance abuse I was stricken with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue in 2011. Doctors said there was no cure and for 7 years, it was a battle with pain management, including rehabilitation. Soon after I left my job the illness become bed bound, and I was unable to participate in all the activities I was so engrossed in. Life might seem over and very bleek. In the midst of almost unbearable pain there were challenges of depression at times wanting to give up, uncertainty of what life would be like without the safe familiars, and how to exist with extreme limitations. This is where a time of reinventing began and relying on faith in Iesu~ Jesus for perseverance. Even through the rough storms I never stopped reaching out to care for others; counseling, resourcing, and outreaches when wellness allowed it. Helping others is in my heart. From individual counseling to community disaster. I always want to support those around me in who needed aid. With the encouragement of ohana, church community ,and wisdom from Ke Akua (God), I began to recover. Nothing was going to stop me from obtaining good health and serving the Lord. The days of not being able to lift a laundry basket or crawling on the floor started to become less. A clearing in the storm surfaced with hope, renewal, and focus. Wellness was more a reality .
Disappointment and sadness filled me in most every way.The tumor was large and growing aggressively. Soon it was 10x10 cm taking up almost 3/4 of my breast. Most people, having this scenario happened to them, might lose their faith or blame Ke Akua (God), but not me. My relationship and spiritual core has only been strengthened. Going through hard times was more familiar yet the glimpse of rehabilitation with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue let me know that the creator is not done. There is a future and plan. Everyday is journey unfolding newness and intent not only for wellness, but I find to love those around me more than before. I have come to understand in the very essence of my being that, " It's not about me or even the cancer. It's about the new territories that God is taking me.
The relationships and awesome things he is doing"
The cancer in the left pelvic bone was so bad it created a fracture and I had surgery putting a steal rod with pins to stabilize. I have to use a cane for support to prevent deterioration of the left leg. In addition I got a lot of radiation on my head (10 +), my legs (20+), and my chest (15+) sessions. I have done some chemo, with plans to do more, yet with adjustments to chemo and visits to th ER we are on our way,
The fundraiser has helped me meet my basic needs and more: unpaid medical expenses that insurance will not cover, travel cost, alternative medical and complementary care; supplements, Dietary needs, also living expenses which as you know, is very expensive in Hawaii (one of the highest cost of living in the US). This is one of the most humble experiences to have constant provision from the kindness of others.
Will you join this journey with me and become one of "Jah's Warriors"?
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
What can you do? We ask that you please pule (pray) first and donate as you feel lead to do. Share Jahanna's GoFundme on your social media, and if you have any questions let us know. Mahalo nui loa. Thank you. God Bless.
Organizer
Jahanna Naganuma
Organizer
Wailuku, HI
