On May 1, 2024, the lives of 13-year-old Keli’i and his family were forever changed. After weeks of debilitating headaches and worsening vision, Keli’i was diagnosed with a high-grade glioma, also known as glioblastoma. An MRI at Hilo Hospital revealed a tumor the size of an egg in his left frontal lobe. That same day, Keli’i and his mother, Kiana, were medivacked to Kapiʻolani Medical Center on Oahu, where he underwent a six-hour brain surgery on May 3 to relieve pressure on his brain.

Kiana has been by Keli’i’s side every step of the way, staying on Oahu for his treatments while his father, Allen, and two younger brothers, Manoa (9) and Kahiau (7), remain on the Big Island. Despite the challenges and separation, the family has faced this journey with unwavering resilience and hope.

In June 2024, Keli’i traveled to UCSF, where Dr. Berger, a renowned neurosurgeon, performed an awake craniotomy to remove the remaining tumor. Since then, Keli’i has completed 33 weeks of radiation and six weeks of a clinical trial chemotherapy. However, a recent MRI in mid-September revealed a concerning area near the resection site, which could potentially be a new tumor or radiation-induced swelling. While awaiting confirmation and guidance from Dr. Berger, Keli’i has transitioned to a standard chemotherapy protocol, temozolomide, as the family continues to explore additional clinical trials to support his fight.

Through it all, Keli’i has remained in good spirits, inspiring everyone around him with his positive outlook and determination. He dreams of one day being cancer-free and is fighting with incredible courage to make that dream a reality.

The Kaylan Strong Fight Like a Warrior Foundation has been a source of hope and support for Keli’i’s family during their most challenging times. By providing resources, advocacy, and emotional support, the foundation has helped ease financial burdens and offered comfort in moments of uncertainty.

“The Kaylan Strong Foundation gave us hope when we needed it most. Michaela Haywood’s unwavering dedication to families like ours has been a blessing that we will forever be grateful for.”

— Kiana, Keli'i's mom

Keli’i’s family urges others to support the foundation’s mission: “Please help Kaylan’s foundation continue its work so that families like ours can receive the support they need in their fight against cancer.”

Keli’i exemplifies what it means to fight like a warrior, inspiring his community with his courage and determination. His journey is a testament to the strength that comes from hope and the power of a united community.