In a heartwarming act of kindness, a Korean-American restaurant owner, who is herself battling cancer, is hosting a fundraiser for fellow cancer patients. The community has rallied in support, contributing donations to aid in her own cancer battle.
I-Ho’s Korean Grill, located in Bozeman, Montana, will host a charity event this Sunday, February 25, with proceeds benefiting the Cancer Support Community Montana, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding cancer patients.
I-Ho Pomeroy, 66, a Korean-American restaurateur and former Bozeman City Commissioner of the past decade, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, last spring, leading to her resignation from the commission in the fall.
Pomeroy is a well-respected figure in the community, having served as president of Korean in Montana and actively participating in Korean American organizations such as the Federation of Korean American Association of Northwest States and the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council’s Seattle Chapter.
Known for frequently hosting fundraisers at her store, Pomeroy has continued to organize charity events for cancer patients amidst her personal fight against the disease.
John Jahns, her son-in-law, explained to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, “My mother-in-law aims to establish a lasting charitable legacy,” sharing the inspiration behind the event.
Starting with a food cart 20 years ago and opening a downtown Bozeman restaurant in 2021, Pomeroy has earned accolades as a restaurateur, including being named a semifinalist in this year’s James Beard Awards for Outstanding Restaurateur. Her restaurant, I-Ho’s Korean Grill, is described by the Montana Office of Tourism as “Montana’s only authentic Korean restaurant.”
Unfortunately, her health was deteriorating. According to her family, the cancer recently spread to her spine, and she is currently being treated in a hospice.
Jahns commented on his mother-in-law’s condition, “Despite being in hospice care, she remains incredibly strong.”
A GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/f/help-iho-fight-brain-cancer) has been set up to raise money for Pomeroy’s treatment and travel expenses to Korea. Surpassing its $50,000 goal, contributions reached $94,997 by February 22.
“I-Ho and her family are more comfortable being the helpers than accepting help,” said Kirsten Tilleman, who organized the fundraiser on behalf of Pomeroy, “but I thought people would want to show I-Ho support,” she said.
The fundraiser at I-Ho’s Korean Grill for cancer patients is scheduled for February 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary food, with all donations benefiting the Cancer Support Community Montana.
BY SUAH JANG, HOONSIK WOO [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
