My biggest regret is knowing that I could have protected my daughter from a debilitating disease, if had I only known the risks.

My name is Krystyn Aguinaldo. When I was pregnant I tested positive for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus I didn’t even know existed. My doctor told very little about the virus and assured me that there was little to worry about. His reassurances and my lack of knowledge would have lifelong ramifications for my soon to be born daughter.

Five months after Kulia was born, she wasn’t behaving like a normal 5-month-old and I wanted answers. By the time doctors finally agreed to test her again, it was too late. The virus had already attacked her body, brain, liver, and neurological system, leaving her with hearing loss, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and severe brain damage. Had I been told of all the risks, Kulia could have gotten preventative treatment and might not be suffering today.

Mothers need to know the risks of this dangerous disease so they can protect their babies. I am asking Gov. Ige and the Hawaii House and Senate to pass Kulia’s (HB 782) Bill and help save Hawaii’s babies. Will you join me?

I want to make sure no other family has to experience what Kulia and I are going through. That’s why we need Kulia’s Bill (HB 782) which will educate pregnant and expecting mothers about the risks of CMV. Few mothers know that CMV is the number one cause of viral birth defects, affecting 30,000 babies a year in the US alone. This is a serious problem.

Up to 80% of adults in the U.S. are affected with CMV by age 40, but the most dangerous time to get the virus is when a woman is pregnant. It is then that the virus can do the most damage.

Studies show that just learning the risks of the virus reduces its transmission by 50%! But if women don't know, how will they protect themselves and their unborn baby? That is why Kulia’s Bill is so important, it will educate women on how to reduce the risk of contracting CMV.

Join me and tell Gov. Ige and the Hawaii House and Senate to pass Kulia’s Bill (HB 782) and make sure what happened to my family doesn’t happen to any one else’s.