Support Linford's Fight:

A Mom, Educator, and A Black Belt's Bravest Battle

Aloha, we are Tanya and Noelani. We are raising funds for our dear sister, best friend, and longtime Jiu-Jitsu partner, Linford. For years, Linford has been the heart of our community, but today she is facing her most difficult opponent yet. After bravely living with an incurable form of leukemia, her condition has recently progressed rapidly, forcing her away from the two things she loves most: teaching and the mats.

The Burden We Hope to Ease

Linford is not just fighting for her own life; she is the primary caregiver for her husband, who is navigating the challenges of early-onset dementia.

Starting this April, Linford will be without an income and without medical insurance. In Hawaii, where the cost of living and specialized medical care is incredibly high, the weight of this transition is overwhelming. Our goal is to provide a financial safety net so Linford can focus on her treatment and her family.

Linford's Journey: In Her Own Words

"On March 19, 2019, I heard the words no one is ever prepared for: I had an incurable form of leukemia. It broke my heart because it meant walking away from a 25-year teaching career and stepping off the mats. For six years, I felt a piece of my soul was missing.

In May 2025, I finally got the 'green light.' My spirit lit up! I became the Preschool Director at the Mililani YMCA and launched their first kids' Jiu-Jitsu program. On January 19, 2026, I reached a lifelong dream: I was awarded my Black Belt by my professor and brother, Joey Jordan.

But on February 8th, the news turned tragic again. My oncologist confirmed the cancer has progressed. Because the upcoming treatments will leave me severely immunocompromised, I have been forced to leave my job and the children I love once more. The road ahead is long, and the financial reality is daunting, but I am determined to keep fighting."

How You Can Help

We are asking our global Jiu-Jitsu 'ohana, our fellow educators, and our Hawaii community to stand with Linford. Your donations will go directly toward:

• Medical expenses and treatments not covered by assistance.

• Daily living costs (rent, utilities, and groceries) while she is unable to work.

• Care support for her husband during her treatment cycles.

If you cannot donate at this time, please share this message & keep her in your prayers. Awareness is just as powerful as a donation.

Mahalo, and God bless each of you for supporting Linford through this challenging chapter.

With love and gratitude, Tanya Pohano & Noelani Kalani