Jeona Mahal was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome just before his first birthday. Now four years old, he has undergone the removal of both kidneys and relies on daily peritoneal dialysis.

Despite everything he faces, Jeona is a joyful big brother to his newborn sibling. He lights up when he gets to play with his cousins and has an endless love for all things Spiderman. Even with significant medical challenges, Jeona is a happy, playful, and bright little boy.

For his parents, Joty and Kam, life changed in an instant with Jeona’s diagnosis. Yet through every difficult moment, their courage and resilience have never wavered. They continue to celebrate each milestone and every moment of hope.

At the gala, step into their world and witness the strength, love, and unwavering support that surrounds Jeona on his kidney journey.

Meet Chef Patrick Hennessey, proud chef, Michelin-star restaurant owner, and kidney transplant recipient.

After facing kidney health challenges for over 12 years, dialysis eventually became unavoidable. Patrick persevered through dialysis treatments, all while working under the high-pressure demands of the restaurant industry.

Then came a life-changing moment: after meeting his father's biological family for the first time, Patrick found a living donor in his uncle.

With a new kidney came a new lease on life. Just months after his transplant, Patrick poured his renewed energy into crafting a business plan that would blossom into what is now a beloved Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of Chinatown - Barbara.

William Liu grew up in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, proudly watching his father, Wally Liu, build Kam Wai into a beloved dim sum staple since its opening on Gore Street in 1991. Kam Wai became more than a business – it became a gathering place woven into the fabric of the Chinatown community. 

In 2015, after living with dialysis since 2008, Wally received a life‑changing kidney transplant. At the time, William was in New York pursuing his master’s degree and a career in opera. When news of the transplant came, William returned home without hesitation, stepping in to support the family business while his father recovered.

The transplant gave their family renewed hope and a future they could build toward together. Now, in February 2026, the Liu family is opening their second location—Kam Wai Legacy. The name reflects exactly what it is: a celebration of what becomes possible through community and the unwavering strength of a family determined to carry forward.