UPDATE from Sam - 3/19/2023:

Today is the day! After an entire month at the Hospital undergoing countless surgeries and operations, Steven is finally able to go home but still needs to maintain weekly hospital visits to monitor his liver health. We thank everyone who has been so generous to support him and his family at such a dire time. The support from his friends and family from around the world truly kept him going during his darkest hours which I saw firsthand. It's been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs and we thank each and everyone one dearly. Stay tuned for updates!

UPDATE from Hikaru - 3/13/2023:

Last Tuesday 3/7, Steve underwent another successful surgery to repair his hematoma, and his recovery was progressing rapidly, allowing him to walk. The doctor predicted that he might be able to return home on Monday, which is today. We were both so happy.However, his abdominal pain had been increasing over the past few days, and it was discovered that bile was leaking. He will undergo a CT scan today, and the doctor will consider performing surgery today or tomorrow. This will be his 4th surgery. It's heartbreaking to see him in so much pain, and he has been suffering a lot. Steve is fighting, but mentally, I can see that he is becoming exhausted Please send him some messages of encouragement to lift his spirits. Your support can give him the strength to keep fighting.

UPDATE 3/6/2023:

Steve finally made it out of the ICU in a more stable condition. He’s still not completely out of the woods just yet as he’s dealing with bleeding and medication during his recovery. His doctors are estimating another 2 weeks in the facilities to ensure all is well. Thank you everyone for their continued care and support! Please don’t hesitate to give me a sweet message directly as he can now read and respond back to your messages. - Sam

Dear Friends and Family,

I am reaching out to you today on behalf of my dearest friend, Steven Wong, who is currently fighting for his life in the hospital alongside his wife, Hikaru Wong. Steve has been battling a lifelong liver condition and recently fell ill, only to discover that his liver had failed significantly.

In the past week, Steve has undergone two liver transplant surgeries, five blood transfusions, and is currently dealing with internal bleeding and major blood loss. The doctors are monitoring his condition closely and keeping us updated by the hour with blood test results. 

Steve is turning 39 next month and is the father of two young children, Hinata and Haruto, who are currently being cared for by his parents. As his closest friend of 22 years, I am asking for your help to support Steve and his family through this incredibly difficult time. I know that he would undoubtedly do the same for me and for many of you who may be reading this...

Steve is a great friend to many and he would never ask for help, but with medical bills piling up, he really needs your support now. Any financial assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. To provide some context, liver transplant surgeries range anywhere between $300,000 to $800,000 billed to insurance. Thankfully Steve has insurance but with a high out of pocket max, and with the roadmap not looking clear he is concerned of many other unexpected bills.

Please consider making a donation to support Steve and his family. Every dollar counts and will help alleviate the burden of mounting medical expenses. If you would like to reach out, please don't hesitate to contact me via this gofundme.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message and for your support during this trying time. Please also help us share this message to anyone who is close with Steve but may not be active on social media.

P.S. We’ve upped the target to 200k based on what we are estimating to be the overall costs. Thank you everyone that has been so quick to show their immense support. Steve is truly grateful for each and everyone of you!

3/2/2023 UPDATE:

Steven is still currently in ICU but in an improved and more stable condition, but not completely recovered from the transplant. We are still waiting for his new liver to not be rejected and taking immunosuppressants to fight rejection and internal bleeding. He can now open his eyes and read your text messages and respond directly to you on his phone and things are moving in the positive direction based on recent blood tests and CAT scan reports. We are so thankful for everyone who has reached out and have shown support in any way, shape or form. Based on our last chat with his amazing head surgeon Doctor Lau, things are moving along in the right direction. Hikaru and I cannot thank everyone enough for such an immense outpour of support at such a critical moment. We thank you deeply and will continue to update everyone on the recovery process. This will be a long and ongoing fight for Steve so please keep him in your thoughts and feel free to send words of support! Much Love to you guys.

With gratitude,

Samu