Let's Help Natt from Long Do Thai Food Cart!!!

As many of you are aware, our dear friend Natt from Long Do Thai Food Cart in North Portland is undergoing cancer treatment, and is in need of financial support to help cover the costs of bills since he is unable to currently work.  The initial fundraising campaign was a surprise for Natt and here is what he had to say in response to the outpouring of support.  


To all of our supporters,

Thank you.  Words cannot express the immense pride and appreciation you have all made me feel over the past few months with your  support.  I know I have a long road ahead, but I will not be travelling alone.  The support, generosity, love and kindness that has been  shown to me from all of you has been breathtaking.  I am completely overwhelmed by the support I have been given.  I truly cannot  believe how many people are in my corner.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you.   Natt



Natt's treatment and need for help has not ended.  Here is Natt's  story about what he has actually been going through, and  what's next for him, to give you perspective about why  we are asking folks for your  financial support, if possible.  

About My Treatment:

I have been in treatment for cancer which was diagnosed in June 2020, and this treatment will continue for the next 3 months;  hopefully for a good result.  I have had several rounds of chemotherapy--the first round included 6 treatments in the "big chair", the second round included 3 treatments of a stronger chemotherapy plus 10 radiation treatments (this is not including numerous blood and platelet transfusions, so many I lost count).  In addition, I have spent the last year and a half getting 4 bone marrow biopsies, numerous CAT scans, MRI's, X Rays, and  heart and lung check ups. I will be having a stem cell transplant in March, and it will take my body 3-4 months for my body to heal.  Overall,  I must fight so I can then come back and cook Thai food again.  Love and Respect to all of you,  Natt

Many of you know Natt from his friendly smile and delicious food from his Long Do Thai Food Cart next to Homebrew Exchange/Look Long Brewing Company in North Portland.  But, what you might not know is that Natt is so much more than a chef or a person with cancer.  Here is a bit about his life story directly from the man himself:

I am 70 years old.  I have lived in the United States since 1971 (immigrated from Thailand).  I have seen a lot of changes in my lifetime.  First, I arrived in Fort Worth, Texas, but moved because the weather was too close to Thailand, so I moved to Hollywood, CA, "Land of the  movie stars!"

PHOTO of Young Natt Hollywood 1973

I  met my wife Josefina on a Friday night at a little dance club on Pico & Washington Blvd. in LA (It was "Boki Night"--rock n roll & hippie  music).  We have been married for 45 years and have been devoted parents to our sons.  

I worked as a janitor for 6 months, a bus boy for 2 years, a bartender for 8 years, and then as a warehouse worker for Anheuser- Busch (Budweiser) for 2 years to save up money to open up my first Thai restaurant in Culver City, Ca in 1985.  I felt we had a successful life.  Then, we moved to Las Vegas in 2003, where life was not as successful.  Every business I worked in failed (an auto repair shop, a dry cleaners, a liquor store), then, I returned to the service industry working as a waiter at the Luxor Hotel for 3 years until this country experienced some changes impacting us all.  There must have been a reason--when I moved to Portland, I  started cooking again.   The food truck is a small business that I LOVE.  Being here in North Portland has been a delightful life.  I finally got to a point where I felt at home, ready to settle down.  But now my illness is kicking in.  It was surprising, and made me realize life can't be predicted and overall,  to think about living one day at a time.  This is my goal as an old man.

I really miss Thai cooking and also my royal customers that I have served.  I will try very hard to get back on my feet to cook again because I love cooking in this lifetime.   God bless you and your families,  Natt   March 2021

     
There is a Thai proverb that says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but not on an empty stomach."  Any donation to help Natt pay living expenses and bills so he can get through these next few months and take time to heal would be  immensely appreciated.  Like before, funds will be deposited directly into Rory's account (see details below) and 100% of what is deposited will go directly to Natt.  Thank you friends.  
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ORIGINAL STORY POSTED WHEN WE STARTED THIS CAMPAIGN IN DECEMBER 2020

Our kind-hearted friend Natt needs help.  The owner of Long Do Thai Food  is fighting for his health, undergoing treatment for cancer.  Please help Natt.  My name is Rory, I live in Portland, Oregon and I used to co-own Homebrew Exchange and Look Long Brewing Company.  Natt's food cart is located at these businesses, and we became close friends over the years.  I am requesting donations for Natt so he can close his business when necessary to attend and recover from treatment for cancer.  He has been closing for long periods of time since early summer and is struggling to pay business and living expenses for himself, his family and his assistant, Patt.  I plan to give Natt the donated funds as check(s) after the funds are deposited in my bank account.  I will provide updates to this gofundme page when  I give him the check(s).


Many of you have been the recipients of his friendly smile and warm soup as you wait for your order.  Your donation will help Natt pay debt incurred due to his medical situation, and take time off from work so he can heal.   The funds collected will go directly into the primary team organizer's OnPoint Credit Union account.  At the end of this campaign, all of the contributions will be delivered to Natt in a check, and we will update everyone here.


Natt is working hard to keep his business afloat and provide for his family.  Please consider donating to support Natt through these challenging times, and as a way to say, "Thank you, we care about you, you are a part of what makes our community special."