Help Kara overcome bone marrow failure

Hi! I'm Kara. I was recently diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough healthy blood cells for my body. We don’t know what caused this condition; however, we do know that the only cure is a bone marrow transplant. Sadly, a match for me has not yet been identified. Ethnicity plays a vital role in the matching process, and mixed-race Asians like myself (Japanese/Okinawan/Chinese) have an especially difficult time finding a viable match, even amongst related family. If you’re between the ages of 18-40, please consider registering with Be The Match. Registering is as easy as a mail-in cheek swab. Even if you're not a match for me, you might be able to save someone else's life. Please sign up.

Until a matched donor is found, I’m receiving frequent blood transfusions and will undergo immunosuppression treatments to give my bone marrow a chance to make blood cells again. With my health condition and these time-consuming medical procedures, I’m unable to work and will be obligated to live in strict isolation to avoid any potential contact with bacteria, viruses, or injury for at least the next year. This means limited outside contact, a restricted diet, and no cuddling my three cats until late 2023 at the earliest. If you know me, you know what a rough road this will be.

I’m so thankful for my husband, Curtis, who is in isolation with me, and my mom who will relocate temporarily to help care for me. I’m very grateful for my siblings, family, and friends who have registered to see if they're a bone marrow match as well as offer assistance and financial support during this difficult time.

Any donated amount will directly help pay medical bills and offset lost income while I cannot work. Thank you, and much love to you all.