Los Angeles (L.A.) Pu`uwaikā`eo Petelo Tyger Mafoa
Donation protected
As most of you already know, my niece Casey Kaiwa and her husband Bryan Mafoa are expecting their 6th child this November. On April 25 Casey confirmed that she was pregnant once again. Already having 5 beautiful daughters (Quiksey 12, Kaloni 9, Hazel 4, Loleah 3, and Tangisi 19 mos.), they were really hoping that this baby would finally be their boy.
When she was 18 weeks along, she was scheduled to have her 1st Fetal Ultrasound. During her ultrasound, which took longer than usual, she received both exciting and heartbreaking news. The exciting news was that they were finally having their BOY and the heartbreaking news was that her unborn baby was diagnosed with having Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). In short, HLHS is a severe congenital heart defect in which the entire left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. There is no cure for HLHS so in the first few years of life, baby will have to undergo three reconstructive open-heart surgeries.
The Norwood Procedure (immediately after birth and the most riskiest of all three)
The Glenn Procedure (between 4-6 months old)
The Fontan Procedure (between 3-4 years old)
Her doctor gave them three options. After going over the options, they decided they were going to fight for their baby boy. Because there are no doctors here in Hawaii to perform these series of surgeries, Casey and Bryan will have to travel to Los Angeles a few weeks before her due date to prepare for her delivery. She will have to remain there for about 9-12 months depending on how well baby does after his 2nd surgery. Bryan will be traveling back and forth throughout the duration of baby's surgeries and recoveries while Casey would stay by his side. Being that Bryan is the sole provider and he will be out of work for extended periods of time, the family is overwhelmed beyond means.
Although the support amongst family and friends is unbelievable, they are still faced with tremendous financial and emotional stress that dealing with a chronic illness brings. Therefore, by creating this GoFundMe account we hope to ease some of the financial burden of medical bills, mortgage payments, travel expenses, personal expenses and any other unexpected expenses that might occur during this long & emotional journey ahead. For those of you who would like to donate, any form of donation will be greatly appreciated.
Mahalo Nui Loa in advance for all your help, prayers and support for the Mafoa Ohana during this stressful, emotional and most difficult time. Also, Mahalo for taking the time to hear their story.
For more information on HLHS, click here
When she was 18 weeks along, she was scheduled to have her 1st Fetal Ultrasound. During her ultrasound, which took longer than usual, she received both exciting and heartbreaking news. The exciting news was that they were finally having their BOY and the heartbreaking news was that her unborn baby was diagnosed with having Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). In short, HLHS is a severe congenital heart defect in which the entire left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. There is no cure for HLHS so in the first few years of life, baby will have to undergo three reconstructive open-heart surgeries.
The Norwood Procedure (immediately after birth and the most riskiest of all three)
The Glenn Procedure (between 4-6 months old)
The Fontan Procedure (between 3-4 years old)
Her doctor gave them three options. After going over the options, they decided they were going to fight for their baby boy. Because there are no doctors here in Hawaii to perform these series of surgeries, Casey and Bryan will have to travel to Los Angeles a few weeks before her due date to prepare for her delivery. She will have to remain there for about 9-12 months depending on how well baby does after his 2nd surgery. Bryan will be traveling back and forth throughout the duration of baby's surgeries and recoveries while Casey would stay by his side. Being that Bryan is the sole provider and he will be out of work for extended periods of time, the family is overwhelmed beyond means.
Although the support amongst family and friends is unbelievable, they are still faced with tremendous financial and emotional stress that dealing with a chronic illness brings. Therefore, by creating this GoFundMe account we hope to ease some of the financial burden of medical bills, mortgage payments, travel expenses, personal expenses and any other unexpected expenses that might occur during this long & emotional journey ahead. For those of you who would like to donate, any form of donation will be greatly appreciated.
Mahalo Nui Loa in advance for all your help, prayers and support for the Mafoa Ohana during this stressful, emotional and most difficult time. Also, Mahalo for taking the time to hear their story.
For more information on HLHS, click here
Organizer
Tracy Kaiwa-Aalona
Organizer
Punaluu, HI
