ALOHA!! I am 28 years old from Waianae, Hawaii. I now reside at Ft. Lewis Army Base in Tacoma, Washington where my husband, Kurtis is active military duty, along with our two sons and a daughter.

I was diagnosed with peri-partum cardiomyopathy on June 21, 2001 . I was only home from the hospital two days, a week after my daughter was born, when I started feeling really sick and very short of breath. I couldn't even hold my daughter without feeling like I was going to pass out. Before anyone could explain to us what was going on it took two visit to the ER. Both times my doctor examined me then I was finally diagnosed. Physicians informed Kurtis and I that I had a 50/50 chance of survival. My whole body went numb and I couldn't hear what was going on around me. All I remember is Kurtis crying and cradling our newborn daughter in his arms beside me. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. We finally got the baby girl we always wanted and our family was complete.

However, to know that I may not be around to see her and our sons grow up is so overwhelming and not to mention frightening. With no family in Washington to help Kurtis with the kids, it was only a matter of time before he would lose it. We thank God for blessing us with amazing friends we have here in Washington, which now we call our family away from home, who has been helping us even before our daughter was born.

The days that followed in the Intensive Care Unit were very difficult. My EF was at 25%. Kurtis had to leave my side every hour to check on the kids who were in the lobby. My condition was taking a toll on Kurtis and the kids. There was nothing I could do to make things easier. My mother-in-law found out about our situation, which then cause her and my sister-in-law to arrive on the next flight from Hawaii to Washington to assist us with the care of our children and to ease the burden on my husband.

Presently, my EF is at 40% but my energy level is low. I have returned to work however I will be resigning soon because my body is not adjusting well. I do love my job and colleagues, but its time for me to take care of myself and spend time with my family. It is ironic that you don't take life too seriously until you have a life threatening illness to wake you up. Now I am living my days to its fullest as if they were my last. I have a sense of urgency in the things I do, but handle them with ease. At the same time reflecting on things that matter rather that waste moments dwelling on things that don't. I am cherishing every single moment with every individual, place, or thing. But most of all, I am living and enjoying every minute.

P.S. If you need someone to talk to feel free to call me anytime.253-964-3498

MUCH ALOHA TO EVERYONE

LOVE, CRYSTAL