To those on Kauaʻi, you know our Nana Kay Mizumoto as the tireless "Newspaper Lady" a beloved 70-year-old pillar of strength who, with our Papa Patrick Mizumoto, has faithfully worked for Oahu Publications Advertisement & delivered the Garden Island Newspapers across the south and west side to residents & businesses for over 40 years. Her commitment to her job is a testament to her deep love for her family and community. Even during this crisis, when she was medevac'd to Oʻahu after her heart attack, her only thought was for her family's future. She insisted Papa stay behind to cover her part of the paper route, telling him, “Don’t let the business crash.” Imagine the fierce love and responsibility it takes to face a life-threatening emergency and still prioritize keeping their decades-long business running so they can pay their bills. This speaks volumes about the incredible woman fighting for her life right now.

On Tuesday, November 11th, Nana suffered a heart attack. In true "Newspaper Lady" fashion, she ignored the pain, pushed through, and completed her 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. route before finally checking into the ER on Thursday, November 13th. She was medevac'd to Straub Medical Center on Oʻahu, accompanied by her granddaughter Brianna to help communicate with doctors and update the family back home. While doctors planned a small procedure to inject dye into Nana's heart, her condition took a terrifying turn: on November 16th, her liver and kidneys began to fail, and she suffered a stroke due to her organs not flushing fluids fast enough. Doctors found a small brain bleed, and she is now sedated, intubated, and fighting for every moment. That same night, Papa and her grandson Jayden flew in to be by her side. On the morning of November 17th, tests confirmed her brain bleed had stopped, and she began dialysis to help her vital organs. The tests also revealed a major heart vessel is closed and she needs a stent, but she cannot undergo the necessary, life-saving heart surgery until she is stable. This will be a long and expensive road to recovery.

Nana needs us now more than ever. Every dollar raised will go directly to covering medical bills, travel, and recovery costs, allowing Nana and Papa to focus solely on healing and fighting this battle together. It would mean so much to our family to have the community's support. Your help would give us relief from financial worries and allow Papa to be by Nana Kay's side as she fights to recover.