Help Kaiona Kick Cancer’s A$$

Rewind 1984...a little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes walked into the classroom. She was introduced as the new girl Kaiona who just moved to Tucson from Corpus Christi, Texas. I told her to sit next to me and that she was now my best friend. Over the years Kaiona never left that role. Even as she changed schools in high school, she was always available and by my side any time I needed her. Kaiona met Gabe in high school and even through the ups and downs of growing up- they grew their relationship into a strong marriage and into strong parents. Kaiona has been there for her mom. Always available to take care of her. She’s taken care of people in her family. She’s always been the greatest mom to Aidan and Matea. She’s the best sister in law. The best aunt. The best daughter. The best wife. The best second mom. The best friend. So many people we grew up with always remember Kaiona. One thing I think about as I write this. Kaiona has always, always helped anyone who’s needed her. She’s helped me and supported me so many times throughout life. I’ve seen her help family and friends. And I’ve seen her strength when she should’ve been broken.

Today, Kaiona needs us. She would never ask for help. Trust me I ask her all the time - what can I do for you, and her answer is simply- pray.

In April Kaiona went to the doctor because she found a lump in her breast. After many tests and being poked and prodded her life changed. Kaiona was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers. The term triple-negative breast cancer refers to the fact that the cancer cells don’t have estrogen or progesterone receptors and also don’t make too much of the protein called HER2. (The cells test "negative" on all 3 tests.).

Kaiona is about halfway through 22 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy. She is tired. She feels sick. She vomits. She lost her hair. She forgets things due to “chemo brain”. Aside from the expected side effects of cancer and chemo, she has had financial road bumps as well. Insurance won’t cover everything. She has been faced with bills that she never thought she would have. Once the chemo and then radiation is complete, she will have surgery which will cause her to be out of work for at least 2 months. Yes, she has been working this whole time! She is a warrior. Her family is so supportive and will continue to be, but I’m hoping her support system of friends and family who she has left so many impressions on throughout her life will come together and help. Whether it’s for meals or medical bills or car payments or mortgage, it will help. If you can’t donate- don’t feel bad, but please pray for her healing. Pray for her children - Aidan and Matea. Pray for her husband- Gabe. Pray for her mom- Wanda. Pray for Kaiona.

Kaiona, you are such an amazing person. God will get you through this.