Kaia Kauh Julka—a vibrant, active, and previously healthy 8-year-old girl who is now facing the most serious challenge of her life.

In recent weeks, Kaia was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening condition in which her bone marrow has suddenly stopped producing blood cells. This means:

• No platelets – making her vulnerable to spontaneous and dangerous bleeding
• No red blood cells – leaving her exhausted and putting her organs at risk as oxygen delivery plummets
• No white blood cells – putting her at risk from even the most minor infections, which could now be life-threatening.

The only definitive cure for Kaia is a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant. This involves replacing her failing marrow with healthy donor cells. We are urgently searching for a genetically matched donor, which is our best chance to save her life.

Kaia is of Indian and Korean descent—a beautiful blend of two heritages. However, this ethnic background makes it much harder to find a fully matched donor, as matches are most likely to come from people with similar ancestry. Unfortunately, the international donor database is underrepresented by people of Asian and mixed-race backgrounds, making our search even more urgent.

Here’s where you can help—potentially saving Kaia’s life or the life of another child like her.

How You Can Help

• Join the registry! Click on the blue "Join Registry" button.  
  • Eighty percent of donors requested by transplant centers are 18 to 35 years old for medical reasons – Click here to learn why Age Matters.
  • Donors can remain in the registry until their 61st birthday – Click here to learn why the registry has an Age Limit.
  • Certain medical conditions may mean you are not able to join the registry or donate – Click here to check the Conditions List. If you're not sure, a health history questionnaire is part of the registration process.
• Sponsor a swab kit. Click on the orange "Give to My Circle" button. Lab processing of every kit costs $60. Your contribution will help add new donors to the registry, who may be a match for Kaia or another patient. 
• Spread the word through social media. The more people who join the registry, the faster she will find a donor. 
• Organize an event - submit your information via the "Contact us" form

Why This Matters

Time is critical. Kaia needs this transplant to survive. A perfect or near-perfect donor match means a very high chance of a cure. The more people who sign up, the better her odds.

Please consider doing this today—and share this message widely. A simple cheek swab could save a life.