Aloha! My name is Kaleo Collier, and I’m the paternal grandfather of a brave little boy named Aceyn No’eau Ina Koa Wiwo’ole Collier, who was born happy and healthy on March 26, 2024. Aceyn is the son of my son, Nick, and his girlfriend, Courtney, and from the moment he entered this world, we’ve been amazed by his strength and resilience.

Unfortunately, our little warrior is facing a medical battle that has been difficult for our family to understand and even harder to treat.

The Journey to a Diagnosis

After Nick and Courtney moved their family from Waipahu to Kapolei, Aceyn began developing what appeared to be mosquito bites. However, these bumps didn’t heal and soon blistered, developing dark red rings around them. Worried, Nick and Courtney brought him to his pediatrician, who initially dismissed the lesions as just bug bites. Despite extra precautions to protect Aceyn from pests, the lesions kept reappearing, causing him severe discomfort.

By May 2024, Aceyn was crying in pain and unable to sleep. He was brought to the emergency room at Kapiolani, where doctors suspected a staph infection and gave him antibiotics. But the lesions didn’t heal. Over the following months, Aceyn’s parents continued to seek help, pleading with doctors to run tests to figure out what was happening to their son. After several frustrating visits to the ER, it wasn’t until November 2024 that Aceyn was finally diagnosed with Cutaneous Necrotizing Vasculitis (CNV), a rare and serious disease affecting his skin and blood vessels.

What Is Cutaneous Necrotizing Vasculitis (CNV)?

Cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis (CNV) is a complex, multisystem disease that can affect the skin, organs, and various systems within the body, including the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. In Aceyn’s case, it has caused his skin lesions to worsen and become increasingly painful, leaving him in constant distress. Though the doctors have confirmed that his organs are functioning properly, the disease has left his skin vulnerable, and he’s in constant discomfort.

Ongoing Struggles and Difficult Decisions

In December 2024, after months of hospital visits and trying various treatments, Aceyn was admitted to the hospital for further tests. Fortunately, his organs were all functioning well. However, the pain and lesions have continued, and the only medication that has provided relief so far has been steroids. Unfortunately, long-term use of steroids can be dangerous, especially for a baby as young as Aceyn.

In January 2025, doctors advised that Aceyn can’t stay on steroids for much longer, and it’s clear that a more permanent treatment plan is needed. Unfortunately, his doctors here in Hawaii don’t have a long-term solution for his condition. That’s why we are turning to specialists on the mainland at a pediatric vascular clinic that specializes in CNV.

The Financial Strain

Throughout this process, Nick and Courtney have faced not only emotional and physical exhaustion, but financial strain as well. The medical bills for Aceyn’s treatment, including wound care supplies and medications not covered by insurance, have piled up. Additionally, the constant medical care has affected Courtney’s ability to work, putting their family’s financial stability at risk.

How You Can Help

We are humbly asking for your support to help us bring Aceyn to the mainland to see a specialist who can offer a more comprehensive treatment plan. The funds raised will go directly toward:

- Travel expenses to get Aceyn to the mainland for specialized care

- Medical bills not covered by insurance

- Ongoing treatment and medications

While we know that not everyone may be able to contribute financially, we would deeply appreciate your support in any form—whether that’s through donations, spreading the word, or keeping Aceyn and our family in your thoughts and prayers.

A Special Request for Our Little Warrior

Aceyn is a strong little boy, and his parents, Nick and Courtney, are doing everything they can to fight for his health and well-being. But they need help. Your generosity will make all the difference in his journey to recovery.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support during this incredibly challenging time. Whether you can donate or simply send positive thoughts, your kindness means the world to us.

Mahalo for Your Aloha

With deepest gratitude,

Kaleo Collier

(On behalf of Nick, Courtney, Titan, and Baby Aceyn)