Please help Odgerel
WHO IS ODGEREL?
Sixteen years ago, we had the opportunity to serve the people of Mongolia for two years as volunteer missionaries. We saw countless blessings during those two years, but none of us could have envisioned the impact Mongolia would have on us for the rest of our lives. The Mongolian people accepted us with open arms, gave us the food off their tables, and showed us the meaning of true happiness and strength in humility.
We met Odgerel (Ogi) on our first day in Mongolia. We were strangers in a new land and while the language barrier was significant, he quickly became one of our best friends and an amazing example of Mongolian kindness. After Ogi completed his own missionary service, he brought his young family to Brigham Young University-Hawaii to study Business Management and performed at the Polynesian Cultural Center to help pay bills and share Polynesian culture. After his graduation, Ogi spent the last 5 years leading mining operations at Oyu Tolgoi, which is part of Rio Tinto’s mining operations in Mongolia.
For the last few years, Ogi has struggled with Liver Cirrhosis. He has now had multiple operations and procedures, and is in the final stages of the disease with an estimated four months left to live if he is unable to receive a liver transplant. Mongolia has long struggled to provide liver transplants due to high rates of hepatitis C and B infections and the country’s widespread alcohol use. “Dying in a peaceful place and free of pain might be the most that Mongolian patients in need of a liver transplant can hope for,” remarked one health journalist describing Mongolian patients’ grim prospects at receiving proper treatment.
THE PLAN
Miraculously, Ogi has found a living match for his liver transplant, his cousin! Unfortunately, his cousin is just 2 years under the 25 year old minimum age requirement per Mongolian law to donate their liver. His match is, however, old enough to have the transplant performed in South Korea. While this opportunity is a blessing, it does not come without a cost. Where the transplant would cost roughly $35,000 if performed in Mongolian, the transplant, recovery, and travel to South Korea will cost an estimated $140,000. The significant cost of the surgery coupled with the fact that Ogi has been unable to work since February of 2020 leaves this GoFundMe as the best option to save his life.
Ogi has a beautiful family that loves him very much. When discussing the potential life saving surgery, his sole focus has been on extending his life so he can provide and care for his family. He is extremely bright, hard working, loving, and honestly, one of the most talented people we have ever met and we need your help.
We sincerely thank you for taking the time to read about Ogi. A famous idiom in Mongolia states, Далайд дусал нэмэр (Roughly translated: Every drop helps fill the Sea). Please consider being a drop that helps save Ogi’s life.
**Join the Facebook Group for updates and to connect with other supporters:**