05/02/2025
Dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers,
I’m writing to share the story of my beloved daughter, 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 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. Although matches with non Asians exist they are more rare.
How You Can Help
If you are between the ages of 18 and 40, please visit https://my.bethematch.org/s/join
They will mail you a free HLA cheek swab kit.
The test is painless, quick, and can be done in 30 seconds at home. Simply swab your cheek for 15 seconds on each side and mail it back.
That’s it. You may never be called, but if you are, donation is often as simple as giving blood, with no surgery or hospital stay required in most cases.
You are not obligated to donate even if you are a match—but being in the registry gives children like Kaia a fighting chance.
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.
When you are returning your cheek swab, please make sure to list Kaia’s full name as it is written below.
Kaia Kauh Julka
With hope and deep gratitude,
Abhishek Julka, Courtney Kauh
