Hi, my name is Jason Utama.

I moved to Belen, New Mexico in 2023 for work, and not long after arriving, I stumbled across a small local restaurant run by two older women. The place wasn’t in the best shape, but what stood out to me most was them, their kindness, their work ethic, and the fact that they were doing everything on their own.

After work and on my days off, I started helping wherever I could. I cleaned, organized, kept them company, and sometimes even gave them rides home. One of the women is the owner. She’s over 60, struggles with severe arthritis, and sometimes falls because of it. Despite her health, she still works every day just to keep up with life’s expenses.

Recently, she also suffered the heartbreaking loss of her son. While mourning him, she’s had no choice but to keep working. Through all of this, she remains incredibly kind and sweet to everyone she meets.

I’m starting this GoFundMe to help give her some relief, whether that means time to rest, help with expenses, or simply the chance to breathe during an incredibly difficult chapter of her life. Any support, whether through donations or even stopping by to say hi, would mean the world.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story.

Her restaurant is called Teriyaki Grill & phở's Le located at 724 N Main St, Belen, NM 87002