In 2011, Megumi was diagnosed with lung cancer for the first time. She had thoracic surgery which resulted in the removal of two lobes (two pieces of her lungs). Almost a year later, her lung cancer returned and she had to have her third and final lobe removed on her right side. One year later, for the third consecutive year, cancer returned again. This time Megumi was treated with heavy chemotherapy and radiation. After this treatment, she lived cancer-free for approximately 8 years.

In early 2020, Megumi developed a long-lasting cough and fever, accompanied by rapid weight loss. Because of the pandemic that continues to rage on, she was unable to be seen by doctors to receive a proper diagnosis. This went on for nearly 9 months until she was finally diagnosed with an infection in her body due to the failure of surgical staples, which may have been caused by previous radiation treatment. Megumi underwent immediate and urgent surgery to remove toxic fluids from her body cavity on the right-hand side, where her lobes had previously been removed. Due to her rapid weight loss and resulting weakness, however, the doctors were unable to perform the originally planned operation at that time. This is when the doctors realized just how serious the infection was and had to modify the surgery, while they were in the middle of the operation, to remove all the infectious fluid. Because of the unforeseen severity of the infection, a new system of removing the fluid had to be put in place, resulting in a partially complete surgery.


Megumi got started on a long-term antibiotic treatment course, coupled with a fluid drainage system. The doctors were unable to fix the problem that is causing the infection (the surgical staples) in this first surgery. Her condition will continue to be severe until she is able to gain enough strength to undergo another major surgery to fix the original problem that was diagnosed.

Currently, Megumi is visiting the hospital 3 times per week to receive wound care treatment and IV dressing changes. The doctors are not able to perform this care on Maui, so Megumi must stay on Oahu for the foreseeable future in order to continue receiving the medical care she needs.


The funds are needed not only to help pay for the medical expenses already incurred but for ongoing treatments and recovery. These funds will also help to cover the living expenses incurred on Oahu since Megumi is unable to return to Maui. Due to Megumi’s condition, her husband, Daren, is not able to return to work at this time as her condition requires a full-time care-taker. In addition, these funds will be used to continue making payments for medical insurance coverage.

Megumi’s condition has improved slightly, but there is still a long and challenging road ahead to a full recovery. With the medical expenses that have already accumulated and more treatment and surgeries in the near future, the need for financial and emotional support is ever-growing. Having the funds raised and expenses paid for as soon as possible will allow Megumi to focus on what really matters, getting stronger and continuing to fight for her life.