Medical Help and Equipment for Uncle MAUI

Aloha Everyone!!

My name is Leesa Va’ana Fowler

As most of our friends and family may know, my brother William Vaana a.k.a. Uncle MAUI was diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Moyamoya after his first stroke in April of 2019.

Moyamoya is a Japanese term for “Puff of smoke” as that’s what it looks like on brain scans.
This is caused by blocked (constricted) arteries at the base of the brain. Those diagnosed with this disease usually experience constant strokes and even seizures.
There’s no cure for this but, there is a procedure that can be done to try and re-route the constricted  blood vessels to one that has more adequate blood flow. This is called a direct bypass. 

Although it is said to be a rare brain disease, I have found and met quite a few people with the same diagnosis here in Hawaii.  Thankfully Honolulu now has a Neurosurgeon who specializes in this procedure. 

William had this procedure done on both sidesof his brain. First one in January of 2020 went well and he experienced very minimal side effects. The seconds one was done in October of 2020. His lungs collapsed during surgery and he suffered 2 strokes in the days following while he was still intubated. 
As a result to his strokes, a part of his brain has shut off leaving his speech slurred and his right side limited in movement.
He has gained strength and movement in his right leg but, little progress with right arm movement. 

William has been working aggressively to recover and understands that it’s a long process. 

I am reaching out to ask anyone who would like to contribute to helping us reach this goal of $30,000.

This amount is for a neurological medical equipment that totals about $26,000 and a few other medical necessities in which insurance doesn’t cover.  William has been home since first week of November and still doesn’t have any medical equipment. I’ve been working with the insurance companies with little to no results hence my motivation to find another way.

My family and I are also working out some other fundraising ideas to reach this goal as soon as possible. Williams Neurosurgeon and the representative from the neuro therapy equipment company have already done their part. They are just waiting for us to pay. 

I have been struggling with why there are littleresources here on the island for stroke patients, more importantly for oversized people in general who suffer from physical and neurological deficits caused by strokes. Maybe I’m not looking in the right places but, I am Determined to make resources more available to help other families who share the same struggle as ours.
Please help us raise enough to purchase it!

Williams hope is to become well enough to go Back to work and do more “Maui” gigs and light up kids faces again. Let’s help him do this!!

Acts 20:35 - “It is more Blessed to give than to receive”

From the bottom of our hearts, We would like to thank you all in advance for taking the time to read, share and contribute to this cause.
We know that everyone’s  lives have been changed due to Covid and completely understand if one cannot give financially so if you would still like to help, you can. If you could just lift Willy up in prayer during this journey, That would be Awesome and Greatly Appreciated.

Much Love and Aloha
from the Va’ana Siblings!

#Cheeeehooo