A young man from Hawaii, Kahaone Kelau, contracted Valley Fever after moving to Arizona for diesel mechanic training. His case highlights the dangers of the fungal infection and the importance of early diagnosis, while also showcasing the power of community and the dedication of medical professionals at Mayo Clinic.
Kahaone Kelau, affectionately known as Kaha, a young man whose life was deeply rooted in the spirit of Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii , is currently battling a rare and devastating complication of Valley Fever .
Growing up amidst the sandy beaches and open waters of Hawaii, Kaha was described by his mother, Laura Kelau, as someone with an exceptionally generous heart, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and fostering friendships across diverse groups. He pursued his ambition of becoming a diesel mechanic, relocating to Arizona to attend school while working at Sanderson Ford, successfully completing his education before returning to his Hawaiian home last April.
However, Kaha’s homecoming was tragically interrupted by the onset of a persistent headache in July, which rapidly escalated to a stroke in August. This stroke served as the initial, alarming sign of a far more insidious illness. The diagnosis proved elusive, taking weeks to arrive as medical professionals in Hawaii were not initially considering Valley Fever, a fungal infection endemic to the soil of the American Southwest.
The spores of this fungus, invisible to the naked eye, become airborne with disturbed dust, and while most exposures result in no symptoms, a small percentage experience flu-like illness, and an even smaller fraction suffer the severe neurological complications that Kaha faced. Dr. Marie Grill, a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, explained that less than five percent of those infected experience the spread of the fungus to the nervous system, a development that presents significant treatment challenges and carries substantial risks.
In Kaha’s case, the infection had tragically reached his brain. Since August, Laura Kelau has remained steadfastly by her son’s side, while her husband balances work and family responsibilities back in Hawaii, with infrequent visits possible. Driven by desperation, Laura tirelessly searched for answers, eventually discovering a video online featuring Chris Sams, a Valley Fever survivor undergoing treatment at Mayo Clinic.
Chris Sams, a former avid cyclist who once rode 150 miles weekly, contracted Valley Fever in 2017, experiencing a relentless cough that ultimately led to the fungal infection spreading to his brain. Still receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic nearly a decade later, Chris had bravely shared his story online, unknowingly providing a lifeline to the Kelau family thousands of miles away. Laura credits Chris’s video with leading them to Dr. Grill and Mayo Clinic, potentially saving Kaha’s life.
The emergency medical evacuation from Hawaii to Phoenix incurred a staggering cost of $96,000. Despite the immense challenges, Kaha is demonstrating remarkable resilience. Unable to speak conventionally, he now communicates through an eye-tracking device, painstakingly constructing sentences word by word. He expresses his determination, stating, ‘I’ve been working really hard.
I’m getting better every day. ’ The Mayo Clinic staff recently celebrated Kaha’s 21st birthday with a heartwarming luau-themed party. While his future remains uncertain, with the possibility of never returning to Hawaii due to the lack of specialized medical facilities there, Laura remains hopeful. Chris Sams urges everyone in Arizona to recognize their vulnerability, stating, ‘You’re not invincible.
We think we are. But we’re not. ’ Arizona currently leads the nation in new Valley Fever cases, prompting ongoing research for a rapid diagnostic test, potentially available this summer. Individuals experiencing a persistent dry cough, fever, or joint pain following dust exposure are strongly advised to seek testing.
The Kelau family has established a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate the financial burden of medical and living expenses
Valley Fever Fungal Infection Mayo Clinic Arizona Hawaii Neurological Complications Medical Evacuation Gofundme Health News
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