The 'Swab for Yun Keun' Family Relief Fund

This is a Family-run fund. We are starting this fund without Yun Keun and Jumee's knowledge because their priority is finding a blood marrow Donor match for Yun Keun.

 

We share their priority and hope that if you're unable to give financially at this time that you can help us share Yun's story and their larger mission of increasing awareness for the DIRE need for registered Asian Donors in the National Registry [a cheek swab home kit can be mailed directly to you! Links above the video].

 

Histiocytic Sarcoma is one of the rarest cancers out there.

Yun Keun may very well be one of the first human cases on record. Even before the aggressive treatments to try and stall the growth of the cancer (while we search for blood marrow Donor match) their medical expenses were astronomical.

Families who know, know - we would pay anything to keep our loved ones here just one more day.

We are asking for your help to gift Yun Keun and his wife Jumee this fraction of what they need, but more than what we could give on our own.

 

We wish you and yours health, safety, and boundless joy.

Thank You,

 

Yun Keun and Jumee's Family

Swab for Yun Keun Home Page 
Become a Donor at Yun Keun s BeTheMatch Page 

 

 

 

Yun's Story

 

Yun Keun (fondly referred to as “Yuhn”) is a husband, brother, son, uncle, cousin, friend, cook, basketball fan, and so much more. He was recently diagnosed with the extremely rare condition histiocytic sarcoma, which is a blood cancer that also reveals itself in tumors on tissue and bone. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. However, his doctors say his best shot at remission and/or a cure is a bone marrow transplant.

 

Yun shares his life with his wife Jumee. They met in 1989 and it was love at first sight; they have been inseparable ever since. They married in May 2000, and in October of that same year Yun was diagnosed with kidney failure. Fortunately, his sister Jin was a perfect match and donated a kidney to Yun. He is forever grateful to her for her gift and support, and although he has experienced side effects of the kidney transplant. he committed to taking care of his body through diet and exercise. He was even playing basketball until the age of 50— a feat that amazes his nephews! In 2005, having been trained in the culinary arts, Yun and Jumee opened VP Deli in Edison, New Jersey. They enjoy spending their days serving loyal customers who have become good friends over the years.

 

 

 

Thank You for Sharing Yun Keun's Story.

 

We know this last year and a half has taken large emotional and financial tolls for many families.

If you are unable to give but still wanting to help please help us amplify the DIRE need for Asian Donors in the national bone marrow registry.

 

Swab for YunKeun Home Page 

my.bethematch.org/YunKeun1

 

In 2021, Yun was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma. He is likely one of the first human patients with this form of blood cancer. He endured four rounds of chemotherapy that unfortunately did not help his condition. He started a more aggressive form of treatment this past July and is entering another round soon. His doctors believe a bone marrow transplant is his only viable chance for a cure. Unfortunately, no one in his family or on the current bone marrow registry is a perfect fit. Currently, people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent only have a 41% chance at finding a donor on the registry because of underrepresentation. Yun has partnered with Be the Match to encourage as many people to register as a potential bone marrow donor to save Yun’s life as well as to grow the list of nationally registered Asian donors - a list that is devastatingly short and in need of this awareness. This is where we need your help.

 

swabforyunkeun.com

my.bethematch.org/YunKeun1