Eddie Ochoa's Story 3 transplants - Praise God!

Hi, my name is Florence Matsuoka; I am raising funds for my friends, brother & sister in Christ, Eddie Ochoa, and his wife Sepe. I will share their story of how Eddie underwent 3 liver transplants thru God's grace and mercy. All funds collected will be used to pay Eddie’s medical expenses first, then towards their out-of-pocket expenses for their 10+ months stay in Florida for transplant & treatment. Their faith and trust in the Lord has inspired me by observing their compassionate service to the less fortunate through ministry, outreach, and love & Aloha in so many ways acting as Christ's hands and feet.

Eddie's transplant journey:

This story is about Eddie Ochoa and his family’s journey of faith, hope and trust in God’s power and grace. Eddie was born and raised in Fullerton, California and in 1987 went to Honolulu, Hawai'i, where he met his wife, Sepe. They have four children, Stuart, Yolanda, Cruz and Daniel. Their Christian faith has led them to bless the people around them in need. Eddie served as a Prison Chaplin, a volunteer helping the homeless and his wife works at their church, both serving in various ministries and outreaches in the community for the past 20+ yrs.

In March 2000, Eddie was diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhosis in the liver caused by hepatitis C (known as the silent killer), resulting in severe liver damage. Although he and his wife were uncertain and discouraged, God was always with them.

His doctors at Kaiser Permanente Medical in Honolulu decided to refer him to UCLA Medical Center. In April 2000, Eddie left for UCLA with his wife for an evaluation. Unfortunately (they thought at the time), he was denied the transplant. Disappointed and discouraged, they sought the Lord to help adjust their thinking, giving everything back to God. All along the way, they shared with others that God knows best and that His plans are better than their plans. By trusting in the Lord, they’ve learned that the “set-backs” were set-ups for something greater and better from the Lord. Looking back, they realize God didn’t allow it because He had a better plan. They returned to Honolulu, but God wasn’t done yet.

Eddie’s health soon deteriorated, causing repeated hospitalizations. Eddie & Sepe’s faith was continually tested in these trials, but as they trusted God, He always proved faithful. Eddie’s doctor, Dr. Robert Decker, observed how committed and diligent he was even though he was so sick. Dr. Decker finally told him he would try his best to find a way to help him. At this time, Eddie was on oxygen 24/7 and struggling along with his family, who witnessed his suffering and felt helpless; it was only through faith and God’s strength that they were able to endure and persevere. Dr. Decker contracted with St Francis Hospital to perform the liver transplant there as Kaiser did not offer transplant procedures. Eddie was the first person to be contracted from Kaiser to St. Francis for a liver transplant. Eddie and his wife rejoiced when his doctor told him about this news. This miraculous provision was directly made possible by God’s almighty hand.

On the evening of July 9th, 2005, when Eddie was utterly exhausted and almost out of hope, the phone rang; the liver coordinator from St. Francis hospital then told them that there could be a liver for him. With excitement and joy, Sepe shared with Eddie the news that there could be a liver for him. They cried together and went to the hospital, praising God. On July 10, 2005, Eddie Ochoa got his first liver transplant (2nd organ). The Ochoas and their church family lifted up their prayers during this time and rejoiced and praised God! Our God is a God of perfect timing!

After his surgery, Eddie was doing well and could finally spend time with his kids, enjoying hiking, swimming, and sports like ordinary families. Their ages ranged from 5 to 12 yrs old during this time. Things remained great until six years later when his doctors found that his liver was once again infected with Hep C and that it was too late to reverse it. The situation was so dire because 2nd transplants were not something that was done in Hawai'i at that time. Remembering all they had struggled with and suffered through the last time, the family wondered how they could go thru the same thing again. Their hope, as before, was in Jesus, that He could do anything if it’s according to his will. So, they sent prayer requests to their friends, family, church family, and others. Praying unceasingly for a second transplant for Eddie. They knew it was a blessing that Eddie had lived that long by God’s providence, so they counted their blessings and continued to trust in the Father for everything.

In 2013, Kaiser referred Eddie to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and he was evaluated, waitlisted, and then returned to Hawai'i. In 2016, Kaiser sent Eddie to the Mayo Clinic again for a 2nd evaluation, where he was approved (Praise the Lord!), then returned to Honolulu to wait for his transplant. Eddie’s kidney was affected during this time, so he had to start dialysis. The Ochoas faced many challenges during this time, but God was faithful.

In February 2017, Eddie was sent back to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. He was accompanied by his middle son, Cruz. They went thru all the required tests and check-ups to complete the preparation for the transplant. They had to remain in Florida nearby to wait for the transplant.

Thank God the call finally came in on April 22, 2017; the liver coordinator called and said a liver could be available for him. Eddie called Sepe to let her know, and they rejoiced. She arrived on the same day as his transplant. When Eddie woke up, his wife was at his bedside, and he was pleased. The transplant was successful, and his liver and kidney were functioning well. This was Eddie’s second transplant (3rd organ). To God be the glory!

A week after his transplant, the transplant team found that some arteries in the new liver were found to have narrowing in a difficult spot. They said if they attempted surgery and punctured the artery, he wouldn’t survive. So, they recommended waiting and if in the future it causes harm, then to come back. Eddie, his wife and his family counted it all blessings to have been able to get a second transplant, another testimony of God’s grace and answered prayers. They packed, returned to Hawai'i, where everything went well for them until the summer of 2021.

From July to August 2021, Eddie constantly went in and out of the hospital due to liver problems. Multiple blockages in the liver bile ducts required numerous stents in the liver and in his stomach to extract bile from the body. At one point, he had five stents in his body. He was so sick that he didn’t even make it to his son’s graduation party. It was a difficult time for the family.

On September 10, Kaiser told Eddie that he needed to return to the Mayo Clinic in two days. Praise God, Sepe was able to leave with him. They went to Florida on Sunday, September 12, 2021, after their church prayed for them and sent them off.

After a long, tortuous flight for Eddie, during which he was very ill, they went through the evaluation process and found he needed an emergency heart procedure. It was a total surprise as no one knew he had heart problems. God was working to reveal his heart problem so his team could stabilize him. The doctors told Eddie that he couldn’t return to Hawaii and had to stay in Florida until he got his liver transplant. They stayed thinking it would probably be a couple of months, maybe three months tops.

The Ochoas have faced many trials and difficulties while in Florida. A few times, they nearly became homeless because the insurance didn’t cover something. They had to look for resources, and thank God they found a transitional home called Gabriel House of Care that was contracted with the Mayo Clinic. Gabriel House was made especially for patients waiting for transplants or receiving transplants. While moving, they were informed that Kaiser would not be able to pay for the lodging. Sacrifices were made knowing there would be lodging expenses to pay added to out-of-pocket medical expenses, transportation, living expenses, food, etc. This added burden and stress weighed heavily on them, but they continued to trust God would provide.

While waiting and praying for a liver transplant, the Ochoas helped some families who stayed at the transitional home. Continuing to serve others as they did in Hawai'i, their new ministry and outreach became people they met at the hospital, and the transitional home, where they could be the hands and feet of Christ. They prayed and encouraged those they encountered through difficult times. They started a support group/prayer group that helped families cope with what they were going thru. They helped coordinate the 2021 Thanksgiving Party for the home, which was almost canceled because the staff was unavailable and due to covid restrictions. Sepe cooked two turkeys the facility donated and invited everyone; people gathered, so they prayed for the food, health, and healing for everyone. She also shared aloha by sharing a hula as entertainment. They tried to give the patients a good Thanksgiving, knowing that it might be their last for some. It was a wonderful, memorable time for many of them. They also helped with Christmas dinner, Super Bowl Sunday, and many more events. Whatever they received, they were able to share with the people. They shared macadamia nut chocolates that some friends sent them from Hawaii. God has a purpose in our times of waiting upon Him, and we are always blessed when we bless those around us.

Praise God! Eddie finally got his liver, a successful transplant on May 28, 2022. After eight months of trials and waiting, God was faithful. You see, this was Eddie’s third transplant (4th organ). Not usual, not typical; he is the only one we know that has gone thru 3 transplants. God is good! Amazing things have been done thru this body, and Mercy and Grace have been upon him. God provides all the time.

The Ochoas are finally returning to Hawai'i after nearly 11 months of being away from home and their family. They are depleted in every way. Their first goal is upon returning to Honolulu is to reunite with their family and friends. Their other purpose is to be able to pay for the many medical expenses.

In the 20+ years, they have lived under various health difficulties; they tried their best to stay close as a family and live fully with their little. Their children, who were babies then, are now all young adults. Sepe has shared how she appreciates her children and wishes she could have done more for them. They have had to quickly grow up and help her in everything they went through. They are good kids. She prays that the Lord will bless them abundantly and protect them. She has worked full-time during the day and as a mother and caretaker before and after work. God is good; none of them could have survived and thrived without His divine working.

Thank God for family, friends, church family, and everyone who helped make things easier for the Ochoas through the years. We ask if you could find it within your heart to help this family alleviate some of their financial burdens; your help and generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Eddie received his 3rd liver transplant on May 28, 2022, at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida. Eddie Ochoa’s life has taught us to rise above the circumstances, trust in God, and share our testimonies to help others that are going thru similar situations. Loving God and Loving people.

Mahalo nui loa,

Friends & Family of Eddie and Sepe Ochoa

I also want to share a scripture passage that speaks to the Ochoa's hearts and lives devoted to serving the Lord, helping people, sharing God’s love and grace, and reflecting His goodness by witnessing the Love of God in Christ Jesus through their lives.

Matthew 25:35-40 NASB

For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’

This fundraiser is to help them with the high cost of Eddie's medical bills that have accrued over the nearly 11 months of his treatments, transplant and recovery for his 3rd transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Now that they are finally returning to Honolulu, Hawai'i, to be reunited with friends, family and church family, we all want them to have a refreshing, recovery and relaxing time rather than anxiety and stress due to the medical debt.

Please help them regain their feet to once again devote themselves entirely to serving the Lord and their community and spending more time with their children.

Eddie and Sepe have fully trusted in the Lord, who provides graciously for those who trust Him and call upon His name. They have served and ministered out of love and compassion while witnessing and sharing the gospel. This compassion and love manifest Christ in them, the hope of glory. So, I firmly believe that as their brothers and sisters, we should lift them as they have lifted others, become God’s hands and feet as they have, and help them in their time of need and assistance as we Love one another. Let us all bear each other’s burdens and love one another as Christ has loved us.

Blessings in Christ

Florence Matsuoka