Organized by Laura Young on behalf of Mary Ogwel and her family

Hi everyone,

My name is Laura Young, and I'm reaching out on behalf of Mary Ogwel and her family. If you’ve ever had the chance to meet Mary, then you already know what a light she is in this world. Her generosity, courage, and radiant spirit have touched lives all over the globe. Her energy, warmth, and kindness are simply unforgettable.

Mary is a mom of four, a grandma of three, and the heart behind Maendeleo, the social enterprise she founded in 1993 to support and uplift women artisans across Africa. Through her work, she’s helped countless women in Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and beyond connect to global markets and build sustainable businesses that transform communities.

But even more than what she does, it's who she is. Mary is joyful, generous, funny, brilliant, and deeply kind. She's a mother figure to many, the best cook you'll ever meet, and the kind of person who always says yes when someone needs a hand. She's opened her home and heart to friends, family, and even total strangers. She gives without hesitation and loves without condition.

In the summer of 2024, while doing her usual tradeshow circuit in Utah, Mary suddenly became very ill and was admitted to St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. Mary and I have done these shows together for years, and she’s lived in my home off and on for the past two decades. We’ve shared countless life moments on the road, in the booth, and at the kitchen table. Our friendship has spanned so many seasons of life that she’s more than a friend to me. She’s like a sister, truly part of my family. That’s why I’m stepping in to help now. I want people to understand that this isn’t just someone I care about. It’s someone I love deeply, who has been by my side for a long time.

Mary spent four days in the hospital, went home for two, and then had to be readmitted for another six days before being diagnosed with advanced diverticulitis.

Soon after that, she discovered several lumps in her arm. Doctors initially believed they weren’t a cause for concern and would likely resolve on their own. Most did, but one painful lump didn’t go away. Out of caution, it was removed surgically. After two weeks of recovery, the pathology results were concerning enough that her case was referred to hematology-oncology experts.

The tissue samples were reviewed by pathologists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and pathologists at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. The final diagnosis: Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. By the time it was diagnosed, the cancer had already reached Stage IV, with tumors found in lymph nodes on both sides of her body including her neck, abdomen, and armpits. It has also spread to her bone marrow.

While waiting to start treatment at City of Hope Cancer Center in Goodyear, Arizona, Mary was hospitalized again in June for another six days due to a severe abdominal infection.

Since her diagnosis, she’s undergone extensive testing, including two bone marrow biopsies, two PET scans, and additional imaging and diagnostics to rule out further complications. Because this cancer is so aggressive, her oncologist has made it clear that starting treatment as soon as possible is crucial. Mary began chemotherapy on July 29th.

Her treatment plan includes six months of chemotherapy using the ECHOP regimen at City of Hope. Each round involves three days of chemo every three weeks. If the chemo is effective, she will then undergo an autologous stem cell transplant, followed by another two to three months of hospitalization and recovery.

Mary is self-employed and, with such an intense treatment and recovery process, she is unable to work. She has already missed multiple shows and markets, which are her main sources of income. We're hoping to raise $40,000 to help cover the following over the next nine months:

Our goal is to take some of the financial pressure off so Mary can focus entirely on healing, without the added stress of how to make ends meet. She’s spent her life pouring love and support into others. Now it’s our turn to be there for her.

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps. And if you’re not in a place to give right now, your prayers, kind messages, or simply sharing this campaign are just as meaningful. Mary especially loves hearing from people. Notes, emails, texts, and letters lift her spirits more than anything. We’ll be sharing updates here as she begins this journey.

It’s going to be a long road, but in true Mary fashion, she’s staying positive and strong, ready to face this with courage, faith, and that beautiful, bright smile we all love.

Thank you so much for standing by her.

With love and deep gratitude,

Laura Young

On behalf of the Ogwel Family & Friends