Our daughter, Kiahura (Rara), was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at a very young age, a moment that completely changed our family’s life. What began as simple concerns quickly turned into a series of laboratory tests, imaging studies, and ultimately a bone marrow biopsy that confirmed her diagnosis. Hearing the word leukemia attached to our little girl was overwhelming, but her medical team acted quickly, creating a treatment plan tailored to her needs.
Kiahura is currently undergoing multi-phase chemotherapy, including induction, consolidation, and ongoing maintenance therapy. Each phase brings its own challenges — monitoring her ANC levels, transfusions when needed, managing medication side effects, and carefully watching for fevers or infections. Despite the intensity of her treatment, she continues to amaze us with her resilience.
Switching hospitals has also played a major role in her progress. Her current care team has helped her maintain a sense of normalcy by giving her opportunities to interact with other children, participate in activities, and stay emotionally supported throughout her treatment. These moments of joy are vital for her overall well-being as she moves through each medical milestone.
While her journey is still ongoing, her lab markers, response to chemotherapy, and clinical evaluations give us hope every day. We are proud of the strength she shows through lumbar punctures, central line care, clinic visits, and the countless procedures that become routine for children fighting blood cancer.
We share Kiahura’s story to raise awareness, advocate for improved treatments, and support families walking a similar path. Thank you for standing with children like Kiahura as we work toward better cures, safer therapies, and a future where no family has to face leukemia.
Karina
Family member and supporter
