Cincinnati Restaurant Owner Battles Kidney Disease with Community Support

As Yvonne Chew undergoes treatment for kidney failure, Cincinnati's Asian American community rallies to raise funds for her mounting medical expenses.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:04am

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Yvonne Chew, the owner of the popular Malaysian restaurant Tea 'n' Bowl in Cincinnati's CUF neighborhood, was recently diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease. After years of serving her community, Chew's friends and customers are now coming together to support her through this health crisis, raising over $19,000 on a GoFundMe campaign to cover her dialysis treatments and other medical costs.

Why it matters

Tea 'n' Bowl is an important part of Cincinnati's diverse food landscape, representing the city's growing Asian American community. Chew's diagnosis and the community's response highlight the challenges small business owners can face with unexpected medical issues, as well as the power of local communities to support their own in times of need.

The details

In October 2025, Chew was rushed to the emergency room and diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, caused by an autoimmune attack that had reduced her kidney function to just 5%. She now requires dialysis three times a week to stay alive, with steep out-of-pocket costs for the treatment, equipment, and potential prescriptions. A GoFundMe campaign launched in January 2026 has raised over $19,000 from more than 200 donors to help cover Chew's medical expenses so she can focus on her recovery and caring for her two children.

  • In October 2025, Chew was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease.
  • In January 2026, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise funds for Chew's medical expenses.
  • The Asian Food Fest, an annual event where Chew has been a longtime participant, is scheduled for April 25-26, 2026.

The players

Yvonne Chew

The owner of Tea 'n' Bowl, a popular Malaysian restaurant in Cincinnati's CUF neighborhood, who was recently diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease.

Lam Dang

A friend of Chew's and a board member of Asianati, a nonprofit organization that celebrates Asian American culture in Cincinnati.

Asianati

A nonprofit organization that celebrates Asian American culture in Cincinnati and has led awareness campaigns and made monetary donations to support Chew's medical expenses.

Tea 'n' Bowl

A Malaysian restaurant in Cincinnati's CUF neighborhood, owned by Yvonne Chew, that is an important part of the city's diverse food landscape and Asian American community.

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What they’re saying

“That's kind of how you show love as an Asian. She is the epitome of that.”

— Lam Dang, Board member, Asianati

“My favorite moment with her is when it's Sunday, Asian Food Fest has almost ended, and just coming over with a few beers for her and her husband, and just standing around, give a good round of cheers, and just enjoying that moment.”

— Lam Dang, Board member, Asianati

What’s next

The Asian Food Fest, an annual event where Chew has been a longtime participant, is scheduled for April 25-26, 2026. Chew is expected to attend the festival and serve her homemade meals to customers, despite her ongoing health challenges.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of community support for small business owners facing unexpected health crises. Chew's diagnosis and the outpouring of support from Cincinnati's Asian American community demonstrate the power of local networks to rally around their own and ensure that cherished neighborhood institutions can continue to thrive.