Help for the Kahala Family

On January 2nd, our beloved husband, father, son, provider, and friend Daniel Kahala's life was forever changed. Daniel is a 55-year-old accomplished architect and an avid athlete, he loves to swim and ski, hike, and dance. As a family, Daniel, his wife Karin Reitinger, and their daughter Anniela (15) are and have always been diligent about maintaining an extremely healthy lifestyle.

In the course of returning home from a family vacation, Daniel suffered a catastrophic brain hemorrhage on the airplane. When paramedics met the family upon landing, they transported him immediately to Santa Monica St. John's Hospital, where he was diagnosed and admitted to the intensive care unit. It was determined that there had been a brain hemorrhage. He received a brain stent and needed to be stabilized before he could undergo a difficult brain surgery. However, an eight-hour emergency surgery was done six days after his admission as his condition declined rapidly.

The surgery was successful and it was believed by his wife, daughter, and friends that he would now begin the recovery process. Within three days, Daniel suffered yet another serious medical setback. In addition to suffering another aneurysm of the mesenteric artery in his abdomen, he suffered a major stroke as well. Daniel's wife of more than twenty years, Karin Reitinger, was informed by medical personnel that he was in danger of not surviving and would suffer complete paralysis if he did.

His wife, daughter, and friends stayed by his side with endless support and encouragement. Within another week spent in the intensive care unit, Daniel exhibited his mental and physical strength by moving slowly, from time to time, his fingers, toes, and one arm. Still, he cannot talk, trying to “communicate” with his eyes and eyebrows. There is no better word to describe it than a miracle. The breathing machine was removed from his mouth and a tracheotomy was inserted. It has now been a month since his admission to the ICU. In his fourth week in the ICU, Daniel is trying to work towards being able to breathe independently.

He and his family face a very long road ahead as he needs medical assistance to restore his ability to breathe on his own, talk, eat, and eventually walk. We are hoping that his medical condition stabilizes so much that he will be moved soon from the ICU into a second-phase room at St. John's Hospital, after which he will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

Daniel is now facing a challenging recovery along with his wife Karin Reitinger and his daughter. As one of the main providers, he will be unable to return to his current position for an unforeseen period of time. Karin will be by his side during this journey, assisting Daniel, and taking care of their daughter, and won't be able to return to work at the present time.

This family is experiencing financial difficulties, and your generous and heartfelt assistance is needed to bridge the gap. Their financial hardships include medical costs and supplies, ambulance, rehabilitation, caretaking, physical therapy, rent, therapy, food, utilities, travel (his mother and primary family are located in Germany), home, car expenses, necessary bills, unforeseen health emergencies, and utilities. We need your help to assist this loving family. Our starting goal is to raise $200,000. Any contribution, no matter how small, makes a huge difference. We are deeply grateful for your generosity, assistance, and most of all, prayers.