Help Choony Lee as She Fights Stage IV Cancer

This GoFundMe campaign is to raise funds for Choony Lee and the Lee-Kawanishi family.

Choony Lee. A mighty and funny and soulful woman. A woman of many talents and many loves. And of late, some deep trials that require more assistance than her family can provide.

In 2017, Choony was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. She endured several surgeries and rounds of chemo to keep it at bay. Then in 2021, she and her family suffered the devastating loss of Connor, their beloved son and brother.

And this summer, Choony’s doctors found new, fast-growing tumors at the original colon resection site. It quickly developed into a full blockage. Choony has undergone two major surgeries and a three-week stay in the hospital. Her family – husband Toshi and daughters Colette and Esme – have been by her side and are now caring for her as she recovers at home.

Needless to say, it’s not easy. She endures pain. A lack of sleep. The unknown. But her spirits remain high, and she has found a clarity of purpose in all this that sustains her.

In the hospital, Choony forged life-changing connections – with a Venezuelan refugee family whose mother was in a coma; with a young woman battling Crohn’s disease; and with a young man in agonizing pain.

In her words…

“I met a young man, Matteo. His Mom made me so happy wearing her bright pink sweater injecting the halls with such beauty. Matteo cried from the moment I met him; he was in so much pain and it was all too hard. I felt that same way three days prior and just held his hands. He told me he is 22 years old, the same age as Connor when he died by suicide. Matteo is beautiful and I pray for this painful memory to be erased.

“One early evening, I was walking to one of the million-dollar views of the George Washington Bridge. And once again I honestly opened up my heart and soul and asked God or an angel, ‘What is it that you want from me?’ I heard a voice say, ‘Just do this, what you already do naturally. More of reaching out and touching people who are in need, who are suffering.’ I have found a path.”

This vibrant, big-hearted woman has to focus on her health now and her family needs to focus on caring for her. But as you might imagine, the burdens are great. And the medical costs and expenses continue to mount.

This tight-knit loving family needs our help.

Bring all your good wishes and prayers.

And if you’re able, send some financial support.

Any amount you can offer is deeply felt, cherished, and appreciated.

Thank you. Yours in taiko and love, friends of Choony.

Find the original campaigns with past updates and comments from family, friends, and supporters at the locations below:

Original Campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/friends-of-choony

Second Campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/friends-of-choony-round-2

Third Campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-the-leekawanishi-family