Meet Kawa

If you've met Kawa, there's a good chance you've fallen in love with him.

Kawa is a spry 12-year-old poi dog I adopted him from the Hawaiian Humane Society when he was just 3.5 months old. Since then, he's been my constant companion, my source of comfort, and one of the greatest examples of unconditional love I've ever known.

He's happiest with a Lamb Chop toy in his mouth, exploring his favorite beaches, convincing strangers to stop for pets, and starting his morning with his signature zoomies.

That joy has never been reserved just for me. Over the years, Kawa has become a friend to countless people throughout our community. His gentle spirit has helped people overcome their fear of dogs, won over dogs that "don't usually like other dogs," and made friends everywhere he goes.

For me, Kawa has been so much more than a pet. After losing my dad, he was my constant source of comfort, reminding me that sometimes the greatest support comes from simply not being alone.

The Diagnosis / Prognosis

Earlier this year, what we hoped was a harmless lump turned out to be Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma (AGASACA), a rare and aggressive cancer.

Surgery successfully removed the tumor, but because the margins were narrow, his oncology team at VERC believes microscopic cancer cells likely remain. Their recommendation is staging scans followed by 5-6 chemotherapy treatments over the next 6 months, with regular bloodwork and monitoring, while always prioritizing Kawa's comfort and quality of life.

We've already spent over $2,600 on diagnostics and surgery. The next phase is expected to cost $8,000 - $9,500 ($2,900 for staging scans and $5,300 - $6,600 for chemo and tests).

How You Can Help Kawa

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Kawa continue his fight.

$10 - Helps cover lab supplies and testing

$25 - Helps fund Kawa's urinalysis and pre-treatment monitoring

$50 - Helps cover CBC bloodwork to ensure he's healthy enough for chemo

$75 - Helps cover the kidney test that keeps chemo safe

$100 - Covers the exam portion of one oncology appointment

$200 - Covers half of the chemotherapy treatment

$500 - Covers half of one of his staging scans

⭐️ Any amount helps give Kawa more beach days, zoomies, Lamb Chop quality time, and more time with people who love him.

I'm doing everything I can. I've opened a 0% interest intro rate credit card to cover his surgery, I'm working extra jobs, using what's left of my savings, applying for grants, and organizing community fundraisers, while my family has generously offered to help where they can.

Despite everything he's been through, Kawa still greets each day with a wagging tail, happy kisses, and the same joyful heart he's always had. If you met him today, you would never guess he has cancer.

Thank you for being part of his story and for helping us write the next chapter. Every donation, share, or kind word means the world to us.

#KissesForKawa