Support Kiana and Babyʻs Fight for Health

Aloha mai kākou,

My name is Uluwehi, and I am reaching out with a heartfelt plea for support during a challenging time for our ʻohana. I never imagined needing to ask for help like this, but life has thrown us an unexpected and overwhelming challenge. Today, I want to share Kiana’s story and humbly ask for your kōkua.

Kiana is a dedicated teacher at Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Maui ma Pāʻia, where she has been inspiring and guiding 4th graders for the past 10 years. She has a passion for adventure, cherishes spending time with family and friends, and has a playful knack for keeping her wife and kids on their toes.

Kiana and I were overjoyed to announce that we’re expecting a baby. Our two keiki, Haliʻa (12) and Laʻikū (10), are thrilled to welcome their baby sister. It was a time of pure happiness, but our excitement was quickly followed by devastating news.

It all began with what seemed like a harmless dry cough. Despite numerous attempts to seek medical attention, Kiana’s concerns were repeatedly dismissed because she is pregnant. After two doctor’s appointments, three OB check-ups, and two hospital visits, a compassionate doctor finally took her symptoms seriously. That’s when our world was turned upside down.

Doctors discovered a large mass completely covering Kiana’s left lung, rendering it non-functional. She was immediately medevaced to Oʻahu for further tests, where a bronchoscopy revealed a fungal infection called Cryptococcus. Although we were sent back home to Maui to continue treatment, Kiana’s condition rapidly worsened, forcing another trip back to Oʻahu just two days later.

On Oʻahu, Kiana underwent more tests, including bloodwork and a lumbar puncture, which revealed that the fungal infection had spread to her spinal fluid, brain, and bloodstream. While an MRI showed no further complications—our small win—her condition remains critical. Initial treatment attempts led to a seizure, but after adjustments, her care team has made proper changes to her medication and she is progressing.

Doctors are working tirelessly to find the safest treatment for both Kiana and our baby. Because of her high-risk status, Kiana will remain at Kapiʻolani for a minimum of 4 weeks, but could potentially be there until the baby is born in 4 months. The lack of research on this fungal infection in pregnant women has left us with many uncertainties, and treatment could continue for up to a year after birth.

We are humbly asking for your support to help cover medical expenses, travel between Maui and Oʻahu, and the financial burden of Kiana being out of work for an extended time. Your donation will allow us to focus on Kiana’s recovery and caring for our growing family during this unimaginable journey.

We will keep everyone updated on Kiana’s progress and how your generosity is helping us along the way. Mahalo nui loa for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can offer. Your kindness and compassion mean more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Uluwehi