December 4, 2009 

Dear Friends and Family,

I’m writing for a few reasons.  The first and foremost is to say thank you.  Thank you for all of your support over the past year and a half.  One thing I know is that I would not be where I am today without all the love, support and help that has come forward.

With that said, it has been one year and nine months since I was diagnosed and I am still looking for my match.  While it’s been a long road, we have been inspired along the way from meeting other patients and their families fighting the same fight.  We’ve also had good news that others have found their matches through all of our efforts.  These are the things that I keep reminding myself- lives have been saved.

Unfortunately, this summer, and even up until two weeks ago, we experienced the darker side of this disease.  I was heartbroken when I learned that three patients who I had gotten to know through all of this lost their battle.  Two more had their diseases progress into aggressive Leukemia. I can’t quite describe the sadness I felt in my heart when I heard the news.  To be honest, a lot of it was also fear.  I’m afraid that this nightmare could become my reality.

This is why I am pleading again for your help.  I am going to find my match, but I need each and every one of you to help me.  My family and I are in a race against time and we will not lose this battle.

At this point, I’ve had several opportunities to speak to groups about bone marrow registration and donation.  I’ve also had the great opportunity to be on local news and Extra TV to try to spread knowledge.  Each time, I am asked the same two questions: “Are you scared?” and “How does it affect your life?”  My answers are always the same, “Yes.” and “Every day I wake up, I hope today is the day that I find my match.   

Many of you have asked me to let you know how and when we need your help.  That time is now!

Ways to help:
1.    If you aren’t registered yet, we now have a FREE online registration code: http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now/join_now.html, using the promo code “swab4krissy”. Code is valid through 12/31/09.

2.    If you have joined, please send this on to any and all of your friends/family and encourage them to register as well (the more hapas,  the better my chance)

3.    If you are unable to register and would like to donate to the Team Krissy cause, you can now do so by submitting donations to Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (Non-profit tax ID: 954444102)
a.    Please note, you must put a note on the check that it is for “Team Krissy” non-profit
b.    Checks can be sent c/o Patti Nomura (my aunt) at 3749 Lime Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807)

4.    We are also working on organizing a run/walk 5K/10K in the spring with Be the Match as well as producing a PSA, public service announcement, to take our message nationally
a.    If you know anyone that can help with these activities or have connections with people that would be willing to be a part of these efforts please let us know and we can provide more details

5.    If you would like to host a drive at your company, and it is permitted, please let us know as we can help assist in this and A3M or City of Hope will organize everything

I know these are a lot of things to ask, however, if you can do just one of them, it will make a difference.  I’ve never taken for granted the amazing friends and family that I have, so thank you for putting forth the energy and effort to help me find my match.

I hope to update you all with good news in the near future.

Love always,

Krissy