Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The family of Hope Myung are praying and thanking the public for their continued prayers and support that she will survive a water accident that happened in the waters of Vaitogi — at a small sandy area before the Turtle & the Shark area.

The teenager apparently ran into trouble while in the ocean, last week Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Her two siblings and mother were with her at the beach on a picnic. It is not certain exactly what caused the incident, but she was rescued from the water by two Vaitogi residents, according to information received by Samoa News.

In a telephone interview and facebook messaging with the 14-year old’s father, Daniel Myung, the hopeful father stated that they had signed a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order on Saturday evening, but Hope continued to stay strong and was fight for her life. He said what the doctors saw as indicators of pending systems failure did not come to pass, and her vital signs restabilised and strengthened — she survived the night.

And Hope continues to survive, according to her father.

It was a first time visit by Hope and her mother and siblings to American Samoa, but not for the father, who is working with the government on an energy project (solar panels), as well as working as a consultant with First Lady Ella Mauga’s Dementia Friendly- American Samoa project.

On Monday, July 31st, the CEO of LBJ Hospital Dr.Ledua stated that he has approved Hope for medical evacuation to Hawaii, and that the Acting Director of Medicare/ Medicaid has authorized the MedEvac, which the Governor has approved. A flight out and a hospital willing to accept Hope was the next step.

Her father told Samoa News, “Not only has Hope continued to defy the odds by getting stronger, she has met all the hurdles for MedEvac to Hawaii!

“Stable and strong enough to be approved for MedEvac; approved by Medicare/Medicaid and signed off by the Governor to authorize MedEvac; and, accepted by Queen's Hospital for treatment.

 “This is HUGE — given Hope's high-risk status!”

“And as of 8p.m this Tuesday, an aircraft has been found and Hope's MedEvac has already been scheduled.”

Mr. Myung said that the family was standing by and planning to travel with their daughter. And, answering more prayers, Daniel's family all managed to get seats on the Hawaiian Air flight that left on Wednesday night.

The MedEvac flight was due to arrive in American Samoa on Thursday, 4:30 p.m., departing at 6:30 p.m. with Hope, the dad, a doctor, a nurse and a flight attendant, according to information Samoa News received from a ‘friend of the family’ — part of the Dementia Friendly American Samoa group that the First Lady asked to pray for Hope and her family.

Hope’s father told Samoa News that his daughter’s vitals “continue to slowly improve, so the extra two days should only serve to better prepare her for the trip.”

He said, “Hope continues to fight, but her body is struggling. 

“Thank you and keep those prayers coming!

“God is just beginning to show us His miraculous plan for Hope!

“Thank you all to the community for the continuous support and prayers and I continue to ask to keep me and my family with prayers as Hope fights for her life — again Thank You!”