In 2019, Leon and Arisa Masden welcomed their daughter, Aspen, into the world on Hawai‘i Island. Her birth was smooth and joyful, until, within the first hour, she stopped breathing. Doctors rushed to resuscitate her, and after what felt like a lifetime, Aspen took her first breath again. But the news that followed was devastating: she had suffered severe brain damage and was not expected to live past the age of two.

Determined to give their daughter the best chance at life, the Masdens relocated to O‘ahu, where specialized care would be more accessible. Aspen required frequent medical interventions and, at just three years old, she contracted RSV, a virus typically mild in children, but dangerous for her. The illness caused further neurological damage, complicating her already fragile condition.

Under the care of Dr. Annie Chen at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, the family was introduced to Navian Hawaii’s pediatric hospice program, Manaolana Keiki. Dr. Chen had long collaborated with Navian’s team to care for children facing serious, life-limiting illnesses, and she knew Aspen would be in compassionate, capable hands.

Aspen enrolled in Navian’s care two years ago. Today, she is five years old, defying every expectation and beating every odd. Navian’s team visits Aspen twice a week, checking vitals, observing behavior, monitoring medical equipment, adjusting medications, and offering complementary therapies like reiki and stretching. But their impact goes far beyond clinical care.

“The biggest difference between Navian and other healthcare providers is that they’ll never ask you to call someone else or say that’s not our department. They actually find a way to help you solve your problem,” said Leon. Aspen relies on a complex network of medications and medical equipment just to breathe, eat, and survive. When supplies run out or something breaks, Navian steps in, ensuring nothing stands in the way of her care.

For Arisa, who is Aspen’s full-time caregiver, Navian has also become a lifeline. Through Navian, she’s found a network of understanding, supportive people who walk alongside her through the difficult days and celebrate the small victories, too.

“Some days are still really hard,” she says, “but knowing Navian Hawaii is there for us, every step of the way, that makes all the difference.”

In Aspen’s quiet strength and the Masden family’s unwavering love, we see the very heart of why Navian exists. Because even in the most uncertain journeys, there is still hope, joy, and moments to be cherished when it matters most.