A GoFundMe has been set up to support a local restaurant owner facing a major health crisis.
Yvonne Chew, who owns Tea n Bowl, a Malaysian and Thai restaurant near the University of Cincinnati, says she was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease in October.
“I was admitted to Mercy Hospital after experiencing severe weakness in my feet, difficulty breathing and persistent vomiting,” Chew shares in the GoFundMe. “I was admitted to the ICU, where I spent 12 days fighting for my life. Doctors performed a kidney biopsy and delivered devastating news: my kidney function had dropped to just 5%.”
Chew says the kidney disease was brought on by an attack from her autoimmune system. After being admitted to the hospital, she was placed on outpatient dialysis and said the bills from the hospitalization, ICU care, medications, appointments and treatments are adding up and have become overwhelming. She’s also not covered by any medical aid or insurance.
“With your support, I can continue my outpatient dialysis and focus on sustaining and caring for my two children during this incredibly difficult time,” Chew writes. “Any contribution—no matter how small—will go directly toward essential medical expenses and life-sustaining care.”
The local restaurant community is also rallying around Chew. Asianati, a nonprofit that provides a guide to Asian food in Cincinnati and puts on the annual Asian Food Fest, has been sharing and donating to Chew’s GoFundMe.
“As we approach Lunar New Year, we are reminded that the foundation of this holiday is community and family,” Asianati’s Lam Dang said in a press release. “Yvonne has shown up for our community for years, and now it is our turn to show up for her. When someone in our family needs help, we should be at the forefront of supporting them.”
At the time of this writing, over $8,300 has been donated to Chew’s GoFundMe. Asianati says, in addition to donating to the GoFundMe, you can also help Chew by visiting Tea n Bowl.
Tea n Bowl, 211 W. McMillan St., CUF. More info: teanbowl.com.