Background:

My name is Kammie Tavares, and I am writing this GoFundMe on behalf of my mother, Shanna Laʻa, who is experiencing a medical emergency in Japan. On the evening of October 11 after a day at Tokyo DisneySea, my mom had difficulty breathing and suddenly collapsed in our hotel lobby. She went into cardiac arrest, and she is currently in a coma in the ICU at a hospital in Tokyo. Sadly, due to her condition, we expect her to pass away here. With no pre-existing conditions and unclear test results, the doctors are unable to determine why this happened.

This trip was to celebrate my mom’s 50th and my 30th birthday. Our return flight home was scheduled for October 13 but due to the instability of my mother’s condition, my boyfriend Matthew Kahoʻohanohano and I are staying in Japan for the unforeseen future to coordinate her care and bring her home.

About Shanna:

My mom, known to many as Ms. Laʻa, has been the unwavering heart of Mākaha Elementary School for over 20 years. Being a Westside girl herself (as she would say, “Hawks bebe!!”), she committed her life to serving the Waiʻanae community. She began her career as a teacher in grades K-3 before transitioning to her vital role as an Instructional Coach. As a Coach, she mentors teachers in practices that improve their curriculum and student engagement. Her excellence and dedication to the profession are highlighted by both her Master’s degree in Education and 2x National Board Certification, credentials that attest to her passion for best practices.

One of her core beliefs is that all children can succeed with the right support, and they deserve nothing less than the best from those educating them. She does whatever is needed if it is best for the students and Mākaha without complaint, working much beyond her responsibilities as a Coach. Whether it be counseling students, yard duty, planning school events or even sacrificing her weekends (going to watch a student’s game, participating in a farm or school event); she was there with her big beautiful smile. I have always been in awe of her commitment to being the fierce and loving advocate not only for my siblings, cousins and I, but also for all the children of Waiʻanae she connected with. She has been in a way, a mother to many, and I am blessed and proud to call her my own.

Financial challenge:

As many people have experienced, medical bills are astronomically expensive. Unfortunately, due to the structure of the hospital and her insurance, we have to pay for her medical bill upfront when she is discharged. It is also unclear how much her insurance might cover. So far we have had to put down a $13,000 deposit to admit her into the hospital. We won’t know the final bill until discharge, but we were told that two weeks is at least $33,000 which does not include medication or procedures. We do know that the first three days cost $10,600, and it has now been over a week since she was admitted (10/11). Once she has passed, our plan is to cremate her, which is estimated by the U.S. embassy to be $2,000 - $3,000. Additionally, the cost of extending our stay is quickly adding up. Considering that we are anticipating such a high cost, every dollar is appreciated.

Other ways to support:

For those unable to contribute financially, we would also appreciate any pictures or stories about my mom. You may fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/sZSzyAck1m9ZSB7x8

Mahalo:

Dealing with this tragedy in a foreign non-English speaking country so far away from home and family on top of trying to figure out how we are going to pay for this has been unimaginably challenging. My mom has always had an incredible ability to care for and uplift those around her. We humbly ask for any donations to support my mom’s medical bills and return home. Mahalo nui for all the love and support being sent our way.

Me ka haʻahaʻa,

Kammie

Shanna and her son Kaulana:

Shanna and her boyfriend Dane:

Family photo: