Eye Care Hawaii held a fundraiser on Saturday, May 6, 2017, for 22-year-old Natazia “Tazzy” Kahunahana of Hilo.
When Tazzy’s mother was five months pregnant, they were alerted of her unborn daughter’s rare and life-threatening heart defect. The doctors gave the family permission to terminate the pregnancy, but that was not an option. Instead, the Kahunahanas are doing everything in their power to give their daughter a fighting chance.
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Tazzy’s heart has only one pumping chamber instead of the normal two and she now has 15 stents.
Tazzy and her family are trying to raise money to relocate to San Diego for a heart transplant—Tazzy’s her fourth open heart surgery since birth.
To offset the cost for Natazia’s travel, surgery and recovery, the family has set a goal to raise $20,000. So far, the family has received about $7,000 in financial support.
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To help reach this goal, Eye Care Hawaii will donate $3,000 if another $1,000 can be raised via Natazia’s Go Fund Me page.
The local optometry office is also collecting donations at their office on 34 W Kawailani St.
“Eye Care Hawaii is committed to supporting our community and the people we serve,” said Dr. Grant Miyashiro of Eye Care Hawaii. “When we heard of Tazzy’s situation, we couldn’t help but feel compelled to give back. We hope our matching gift will give others the incentive to do something compassionate for others. No gift is too small.”
“We, the family, humbly ask you for your prayers and financial blessings so that we can be able to help defray costs to fly Tazzy to San Diego and receive treatment for her heart condition,” said Natalie Kahunahana, Tazzy’s mom.
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