Hi my name is August and I am Khaz's great-aunt. He is a beautiful 18-month-old and joy of our family. Akemi and Kere, Khaz's parents, have recently had to make swift life-changing decisions in the face of their son's recent health battle. I have created this fundraiser for Khaz and his family because he was recently diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a fast-growing, cancerous brain tumor.

How we found the tumor:

Over a span of two weeks Khaz began to experience the following symptoms: loss of appetite, blankly staring, lethargic, shaking a couple of times after waking, hard time with balance and coordination/ sitting, and loss of interest in things he loves. He was taken to his pediatrician and urgent care numerous times. He received multiple diagnoses from the doctors which were ear infection and an infection in the throat. Khaz was taken to the ER at UMMC April 4th after the medicines were ear infection and throat weren’t helping. After many tests and MRI, we found out Khaz had a tumor.

He had the large tumor removed April 5, 2023 during an eight-hour surgery. It was later learned that he would have to undergo another surgery the next day to remove more tumor tissue. Two surgeries back to back!

Though he was provided with outstanding care at UMMC Sanderson Tower the medical staff and his parents have decided to have him treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. They will have an appointment next week and have been told to expect his treatment to last 8 months. Khaz will need his parent(s) by his side daily as he goes through these treatments. There is a significant financial need as they will be limited in their ability to work due to being away from home.

I will update this page as things happen. Any donation will be appreciated. We have already claimed healing for Khaz.