
Support Francis Koa's Fight Against Multiple Myeloma
Donation protected
In October of 2023 our Dad Francis Koa was Diagnosed with stage 1 Multiple Myeloma! Our dad has always been a hard worker, who never called in sick in all the years. Many people know Dad from working at Anheuser Busch, Honsador, (Ameron), HC&D as a cement truck driver and “Hard Koa Trucking”. Dad coached St. Anthony basketball, Kamehameha football and he played in the Men's Basketball League for many years. Because of dads health he recently made the decision to retire.
Please help us, help our dad, in raising funds to assist with medical expenses, travel, relocating Mom & Dad to Seattle, Washington (for a bone marrow transplant) as well as day to day living expenses during this critical time of need.
Our journey began on July 14, 2023, with an ER visit for kidney stones. When the doctor returned after the CAT scan testing, he said Dad had kidney stones (which he has had )and is treatable, but the doctor was more concerned about other things he saw like the thickening of dads stomach lining which resembled cancer, he saw lesions on his lumbar/spine and pelvic area that also looked like cancer and would need immediate attention. Mom was at his side and at that moment she took a deep breath, holding on tightly to her Faith, asked the doctor, what are the next steps from here? The ER doctor said an upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, and a series of additional tests are needed right away! Mom called dads doctor before leaving the hospital and was told that Maui only has one doctor on the island and he was booked out 5 months in advance. Mom was advised to consult with ‘Oahu for further testing and procedures. Dad and Mom flew back and forth to ‘Oahu during August - October of 2023 for testing at Queens cancer center, they had accepted Dad as their patient.
We had a family meeting with Dr. Donagen on Oct. 31, 2023. It was on this day that we learned that our dad has Multiple Myeloma stage 1. This type of cancer attacks your white blood cells and can get into your bones, which in dads case, it did. We were told that our dads cancer is treatable, but not curable. At this time, Dad desperately needs a bone marrow transplant and is scheduled to start his journey in Washington, with mom as his caregiver. Dad has done rounds of chemotherapy and many procedures. He is still in treatment and is prepared to start what's needed for his transplant. But unfortunately finances are what's needed up front to get Mom & Dad to Washington and that is where your help would come in.
Mom is the main caretaker for dad. But between us siblings & mom we took turns and would be there for dad during his treatments while on ‘Oahu. We won't be able to do that when they go to Washington, it will be all Mom. Mom works as a preschool teacher, and has been working with Maui's keiki for 40 plus years. The way mom comforts and loves our dad and our family is unconditional, and is filled with FAITH IN GOD! Mom will not be able to work while caring for Dad.
Currently the 3 of us siblings have never been so afraid, but yet in the same breath we know God has a plan and we have our faith. Financially, our parents are in need of help. Mom and Dad have carried the majority of all this financial weight and now to be so close to a solution and not be able to, because of finances,would truly break our hearts.
Mom and dad will have to pay out of pocket a minimum of 2-3 months of living expenses while in Seattle, Washington. Insurance does not cover any of this. Travel, housing, food, transportation and so much more and as well as all the bills that will continuously be needed here at home. As a family, we humbly and graciously come to you all to ask for any financial help you can give to our parents at this crucial time of need. We Thank you and ask that you keep our Parents and family in your Prayers . God Bless you all.
All Our Love & Prayers,
Kelsea, Kortney and Elijah Koa
Organizer and beneficiary
Kortney Uwekoolani
Organizer
Makawao, HI
Renette Koa
Beneficiary