Rally for Ren set for Jan. 27, 2024, at Pearl City High School
Posted: December 8, 2023
Help Pearl City High School raise money for a student recovering from a recent heart transplant.
Sophomore Ren Miyasaki was born with a heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. He underwent surgery shortly after birth and has been in and out of hospitals throughout his life.
Ren is in the school’s deaf and hard of hearing program. Part-time teacher Mari Nakamura worked with him throughout his freshman year.
“He just makes our day fun,” she said. “Despite all the procedures and doctor visits, he just comes back to school and he’s right back into it.”
Ren belongs to the school’s lion dance club and plays the drums. He’s also a skilled video editor who creates elaborate lip syncing videos to his favorite Disney songs.
“He’s quite a performer,” Nakamura said. “He’ll take Mulan or whatever, and he’ll make some impromptu costumes. He films from all different angles so you know he’s moving the camera around. He always shares them with us and they just make us laugh.”
Ren received a new heart in October. He underwent eight hours of surgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Doctors say he must remain in Los Angeles for about a year to monitor and strengthen his new heart.
To support Ren and his family, the school is holding Rally for Ren, a fundraiser and walk on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at the Pearl City High School football field. The event starts at 3 p.m. and features food and craft vendors. Tickets cost $35 for adults ($40 at the door) and $20 for youth under 18 ($25 at the door).
Nakamura receives updates from Ren’s parents every two weeks, and the school is working on plans once he’s well enough to return home.
“Right now, he’s on the uptake, so that’s good,” Nakamura said. “I can just imagine the toll that it’s taking on his family because both parents work yet someone has to be with Ren at all times. His grandma and twin brother, Rhys, have gone up a number of times to visit him for Thanksgiving and his birthday. So I’m sure they will greatly appreciate any kind of help.”
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