For a Teacher with Kidney Disease
Donation protected
Our precious daughter Ong Kar has a severe kidney condition. She faces daily intensive dialysis and a transplant in the coming months. She needs help now with her living expenses, to come through this crisis with grace, and move forward.
I am Ong Kar’s father, and I am asking for help on behalf of our entire family. She is a treasure to all -- to the whole community, in Canada, America and beyond.
We are grateful for your help and prayers.
Here's part of what makes her so special:
Ong Kar is a young woman of great wisdom and eagerly shares with those who need it. She is brilliant and warm, and loved by so many.
She was born into a loving family, practicing yoga every day. Her name means “The Creator and the Creation are one.” She teaches yoga in Vancouver -- a healing discipline that is deep in her being. Her classes attract many students and her intuitive touch is greatly valued by everyone.
For many years, she has been a key organizer of Psychology of Vision Canada, and a student of Chuck and Lency Spezzano, hosting people from all over the world -- Europe, America, China, Japan -- in events of growth and beauty that help transform the lives of thousands of people.
She does accounting and marketing services for community groups, helps organize special events, feasts and retreats. She is a constant help to anyone near her who needs a sympathetic ear or a helping hand.
Her goals include continuing to teach and living a life of service once she comes through this crisis; and she and humbly asks for your help.
__________________________________________________________________________
Ong Kar says:
“The struggle with kidney disease has been one of the biggest challenges of my life.
“I have fought hard and explored both conventional and alternative healing methods to heal this disease or at least slow the progression.
“Now is the time to acknowledge that the journey is at the point where I need to prepare for what is happening physically and emotionally -- and also to reach out for help while undergoing more intensive treatments.”
__________________________________________________________________________
What's happening right now: Seven years ago, Ong Kar began a long journey through kidney disease. She has pursued every viable mainstream and alternative therapy and treatment, and worked with many dedicated doctors, therapists, and healers.
Because of her totally healthy lifestyle and the help of these fine people, she was quite stable for many years. Dialysis or transplant were not thought to be necessary until many years down the road -- if ever. She continued to give to the community and to earn a living, for which she is profoundly grateful.
Recently, however, her kidney function has declined rapidly. She has been under the care of world-respected specialists at the kidney clinic at Vancouver General Hospital for five years; they have told her she needs to begin dialysis and await a kidney transplant.
Several family members are being tested as potential donors, including her boyfriend, Tom, who loves Ong Kar so much that he has volunteered to donate one of his own kidneys as part of a “paired exchange transplant” – the hope is that his kidney will go to someone else who needs it, and a matching kidney will come from someone who has her rare blood type.
Ong Kar’s Mom and myself have also offered to be part of this program.
__________________________________________________________________________
Here’s what Ong Kar needs now:
Prayers: Your loving prayers offered for her healing. The power of your prayer is infinite.
Funds: $2,000 per month for approximately 6 months. Canada’s health insurance system thankfully will cover most of the cost of her upcoming dialysis surgery and treatments, preparation for a kidney transplant, and some of the recovery.
But because the decline in Ong Kar’s kidney function took place so rapidly, there was little time to prepare financially. As she is self-employed, she does not qualify for unemployment insurance or long-term disability.
For six months she will need help with related medical expenses, rent, food, and some additional treatments that will help her not only survive -- but to come through this crisis with renewed life and energy.
Healing Meals: If you live in Kitsilano or nearby, you could be part of our community help program during Ong Kar’s recovery months. A healthy vegetarian lunch or dinner, brought to her home, would be a wonderful gift. We will update this page with options for participating in this program soon.
Donor: Several people have volunteered to be kidney donors, but there is no guarantee that these people will be accepted as they need to be thoroughly tested and medically qualified. This fundraiser is really about gaining financial support; however if you feel inspired to consider the extraordinary step of being tested as a potential donor you can contact us through this campaign.
More about Ong Kar:
Born in Vancouver in 1973, Ong Kar grew up learning and practicing Kundalini yoga in the glow of the Sikh faith, which originates in northern India. Today she is a skilled and professionally qualified advanced Kundalini teacher. She practices the Sikh way of life, a very open and tolerant faith that honors all religions, rooted in service and sacred music.
Her academic career, pursued through University of Oregon and University of California Los Angeles, was focused on archeology of the Middle East. She worked in archeological excavations in Israel and Syria and helped to author significant papers. She is a talented artist, photographer, organizer and computer specialist.
Her mother is from the United States (Brooklyn) and her father from Canada (from Burlington, near Toronto). Her adoptive father is also from Toronto, Canada. Her sister, Nirinjan Kaur, is a well-known sacred music artist.
__________________________________________________________________________
In her own words:
“The progression of kidney disease has been slow until this year.
“I now realize that it has slowly made my life smaller as I have been able to do less and less.
“Although there has been a letting-go of the outer world, I have felt an inward growth and development, as so often happens.
“I am looking forward to feeling better and I can only imagine what my life will be like once I get a transplant -- it has been so many years since I have had a lot of energy to be creative and inspired again.”
"I appreciate your kindness, and your thoughts of light, in reading this. Blessings to all.”
__________________________________________________________________________
Thank you, mahalo, xie xie, merci, danke sehr, da dhanavada, toda and shalom...
__________________________________________________________________________
Update:
It's astonishing, really: the generosity and heart that flow through this medium.
Thank you all so much!
We took the cap off this campaign at 7:00 am. today. It's now 4:00 pm. -- after nine hours -- and 45 people have contributed $3,683 to Ong Kar's future. (!)
Mahalo to all...let's keep it rolling. Please pass on the link to people -- http://www.gofundme.com/ongkar/
"Like" the campaign on Facebook...and reflect on how much we all have to be thankful for.
Here's a photo of OK in 1999, at a classic hotel just outside the Old City of Jerusalem. It's one of her favorite cities, with its mixture of deep and powerful traditions...
__________________________________________________________________________
A message from Ong Kar:
"I'm overwhelmed by everyone's support and I especially love all of the thoughtful messages that I've been reading throughout the day here and on Facebook.
"It's amazing to see what collective energy can create.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in the US!"
__________________________________________________________________________
We are humbled by the outpouring of support for Ong Kar. Thank you, one and all...we are so grateful.
One of the truly cool things about Ong Kar is that she loves to cook. She has an instinctive flair with taste, combinations and health that delights.
And she can cook for two -- or for two hundred. Cooking for a large number of people is quite a trick, especially when it's done outdoors. Ong Kar has served in this way many times, for groups large and small.
And she will continue to do so...
__________________________________________________________________________
At one of Ong Kar's favorite places in the world, the Golden Temple at Amritsar, India.
__________________________________________________________________________
The good news from Vancouver is -- Ong Kar's procedure went smoothly and as expected at Vancouver General Hospital this morning. She's resting peacefully at home right now, with the kind attention of her boyfriend, Tom.
Tom reports: "We've cleared our calendar for the next couple days... Right after the procedure she was up and walking around, and wasn't in any discomfort, except for feeling sleepy."
At a Dodgers game in 2010...
__________________________________________________________________________
Update, December 6, 2015:
Ong Kar is resting and eating well, recovering from last week's surgery. She's moving around, walking and talking, getting over some pain and discomfort.
Doctor appointment today to confirm that the surgery, which gets her ready for dialysis treatments to start in a couple of weeks, was successful.
With the constant assistance of her boyfriend Tom, she rests easy, feeling with gratitude your amazing generosity, and that of more than 180 other good people, who believe in her and her future...
On a street in the Old City, Jerusalem 1998.
__________________________________________________________________________
Update, January 1, 2016:
As the New Year begins, we thank everyone again for your generosity to Ong Kar. Your support, in word and deed, has helped her greatly through a challenging time.
She has started dialysis, and had a difficult day yesterday, adjusting to the process in a nine-hour hospital session. In a few weeks, she'll start a nightly procedure that can be done at home, and we're hopeful that this will mark a new time of independence for her.
Through it all, Ong Kar is brave and positive, and appreciates how much you have shared -- nearly 200 people, and the contributions keep coming!
Happy New Year, everyone. May the path lift to meet your feet.
I am Ong Kar’s father, and I am asking for help on behalf of our entire family. She is a treasure to all -- to the whole community, in Canada, America and beyond.
We are grateful for your help and prayers.
Here's part of what makes her so special:
Ong Kar is a young woman of great wisdom and eagerly shares with those who need it. She is brilliant and warm, and loved by so many.
She was born into a loving family, practicing yoga every day. Her name means “The Creator and the Creation are one.” She teaches yoga in Vancouver -- a healing discipline that is deep in her being. Her classes attract many students and her intuitive touch is greatly valued by everyone.
For many years, she has been a key organizer of Psychology of Vision Canada, and a student of Chuck and Lency Spezzano, hosting people from all over the world -- Europe, America, China, Japan -- in events of growth and beauty that help transform the lives of thousands of people.
She does accounting and marketing services for community groups, helps organize special events, feasts and retreats. She is a constant help to anyone near her who needs a sympathetic ear or a helping hand.
Her goals include continuing to teach and living a life of service once she comes through this crisis; and she and humbly asks for your help.
__________________________________________________________________________
Ong Kar says:
“The struggle with kidney disease has been one of the biggest challenges of my life.
“I have fought hard and explored both conventional and alternative healing methods to heal this disease or at least slow the progression.
“Now is the time to acknowledge that the journey is at the point where I need to prepare for what is happening physically and emotionally -- and also to reach out for help while undergoing more intensive treatments.”
__________________________________________________________________________
What's happening right now: Seven years ago, Ong Kar began a long journey through kidney disease. She has pursued every viable mainstream and alternative therapy and treatment, and worked with many dedicated doctors, therapists, and healers.
Because of her totally healthy lifestyle and the help of these fine people, she was quite stable for many years. Dialysis or transplant were not thought to be necessary until many years down the road -- if ever. She continued to give to the community and to earn a living, for which she is profoundly grateful.
Recently, however, her kidney function has declined rapidly. She has been under the care of world-respected specialists at the kidney clinic at Vancouver General Hospital for five years; they have told her she needs to begin dialysis and await a kidney transplant.
Several family members are being tested as potential donors, including her boyfriend, Tom, who loves Ong Kar so much that he has volunteered to donate one of his own kidneys as part of a “paired exchange transplant” – the hope is that his kidney will go to someone else who needs it, and a matching kidney will come from someone who has her rare blood type.
Ong Kar’s Mom and myself have also offered to be part of this program.
__________________________________________________________________________
Here’s what Ong Kar needs now:
Prayers: Your loving prayers offered for her healing. The power of your prayer is infinite.
Funds: $2,000 per month for approximately 6 months. Canada’s health insurance system thankfully will cover most of the cost of her upcoming dialysis surgery and treatments, preparation for a kidney transplant, and some of the recovery.
But because the decline in Ong Kar’s kidney function took place so rapidly, there was little time to prepare financially. As she is self-employed, she does not qualify for unemployment insurance or long-term disability.
For six months she will need help with related medical expenses, rent, food, and some additional treatments that will help her not only survive -- but to come through this crisis with renewed life and energy.
Healing Meals: If you live in Kitsilano or nearby, you could be part of our community help program during Ong Kar’s recovery months. A healthy vegetarian lunch or dinner, brought to her home, would be a wonderful gift. We will update this page with options for participating in this program soon.
Donor: Several people have volunteered to be kidney donors, but there is no guarantee that these people will be accepted as they need to be thoroughly tested and medically qualified. This fundraiser is really about gaining financial support; however if you feel inspired to consider the extraordinary step of being tested as a potential donor you can contact us through this campaign.
More about Ong Kar:
Born in Vancouver in 1973, Ong Kar grew up learning and practicing Kundalini yoga in the glow of the Sikh faith, which originates in northern India. Today she is a skilled and professionally qualified advanced Kundalini teacher. She practices the Sikh way of life, a very open and tolerant faith that honors all religions, rooted in service and sacred music.
Her academic career, pursued through University of Oregon and University of California Los Angeles, was focused on archeology of the Middle East. She worked in archeological excavations in Israel and Syria and helped to author significant papers. She is a talented artist, photographer, organizer and computer specialist.
Her mother is from the United States (Brooklyn) and her father from Canada (from Burlington, near Toronto). Her adoptive father is also from Toronto, Canada. Her sister, Nirinjan Kaur, is a well-known sacred music artist.
__________________________________________________________________________
In her own words:
“The progression of kidney disease has been slow until this year.
“I now realize that it has slowly made my life smaller as I have been able to do less and less.
“Although there has been a letting-go of the outer world, I have felt an inward growth and development, as so often happens.
“I am looking forward to feeling better and I can only imagine what my life will be like once I get a transplant -- it has been so many years since I have had a lot of energy to be creative and inspired again.”
"I appreciate your kindness, and your thoughts of light, in reading this. Blessings to all.”
__________________________________________________________________________
Thank you, mahalo, xie xie, merci, danke sehr, da dhanavada, toda and shalom...
__________________________________________________________________________
Update:
It's astonishing, really: the generosity and heart that flow through this medium.
Thank you all so much!
We took the cap off this campaign at 7:00 am. today. It's now 4:00 pm. -- after nine hours -- and 45 people have contributed $3,683 to Ong Kar's future. (!)
Mahalo to all...let's keep it rolling. Please pass on the link to people -- http://www.gofundme.com/ongkar/
"Like" the campaign on Facebook...and reflect on how much we all have to be thankful for.
Here's a photo of OK in 1999, at a classic hotel just outside the Old City of Jerusalem. It's one of her favorite cities, with its mixture of deep and powerful traditions...
__________________________________________________________________________A message from Ong Kar:
"I'm overwhelmed by everyone's support and I especially love all of the thoughtful messages that I've been reading throughout the day here and on Facebook.
"It's amazing to see what collective energy can create.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in the US!"
__________________________________________________________________________
We are humbled by the outpouring of support for Ong Kar. Thank you, one and all...we are so grateful.
One of the truly cool things about Ong Kar is that she loves to cook. She has an instinctive flair with taste, combinations and health that delights.
And she can cook for two -- or for two hundred. Cooking for a large number of people is quite a trick, especially when it's done outdoors. Ong Kar has served in this way many times, for groups large and small.
And she will continue to do so...
__________________________________________________________________________
At one of Ong Kar's favorite places in the world, the Golden Temple at Amritsar, India.
__________________________________________________________________________The good news from Vancouver is -- Ong Kar's procedure went smoothly and as expected at Vancouver General Hospital this morning. She's resting peacefully at home right now, with the kind attention of her boyfriend, Tom.
Tom reports: "We've cleared our calendar for the next couple days... Right after the procedure she was up and walking around, and wasn't in any discomfort, except for feeling sleepy."
At a Dodgers game in 2010...__________________________________________________________________________
Update, December 6, 2015:
Ong Kar is resting and eating well, recovering from last week's surgery. She's moving around, walking and talking, getting over some pain and discomfort.
Doctor appointment today to confirm that the surgery, which gets her ready for dialysis treatments to start in a couple of weeks, was successful.
With the constant assistance of her boyfriend Tom, she rests easy, feeling with gratitude your amazing generosity, and that of more than 180 other good people, who believe in her and her future...
On a street in the Old City, Jerusalem 1998.
__________________________________________________________________________
Update, January 1, 2016:
As the New Year begins, we thank everyone again for your generosity to Ong Kar. Your support, in word and deed, has helped her greatly through a challenging time.
She has started dialysis, and had a difficult day yesterday, adjusting to the process in a nine-hour hospital session. In a few weeks, she'll start a nightly procedure that can be done at home, and we're hopeful that this will mark a new time of independence for her.
Through it all, Ong Kar is brave and positive, and appreciates how much you have shared -- nearly 200 people, and the contributions keep coming!
Happy New Year, everyone. May the path lift to meet your feet.
Organizer
Michael North
Organizer
Vancouver, BC
