Hi, my name is Kara Uchida, and I’m one of the many people lucky to call Deanna Spain a friend. Deanna has been an elementary school teacher for 25 years, shaping the lives of hundreds of children with her kindness, dedication, and passion.
On March 27, Deanna was admitted to the ICU with severe pneumonia and was flown by air ambulance to Oʻahu in critical condition. Within just three days, her condition worsened into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a life-threatening condition. She was intubated and placed on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), a critical life support system that takes over the function of the heart and lungs to give the body a chance to heal. Deanna has now been on ECMO for over 78 days and also required emergency dialysis for several weeks.
She remains in the hospital, continuing to fight for her life with unimaginable strength and courage. The journey ahead is long, and the medical expenses are overwhelming. Deanna is one of the kindest, strongest, and most generous people I know – always showing up for others. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.
Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward Deanna’s medical care, recovery, and long-term needs. Please consider donating and sharing her story. Your support means more than words can say.
