REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (KABC) – Niko’s Donuts, a cherished fixture in Redondo Beach for the past four years, is facing a difficult chapter.
Owner Niko Chea has weathered numerous challenges, from being robbed at gunpoint to dealing with break-ins. Despite these hardships, the community has consistently supported him and his business.
“I’ve been through a lot — from robberies to break-ins — and they’ve always had my back,” Chea said.
In July 2023, Niko’s Donuts was targeted in another robbery. Thieves stole several hundred dollars and caused damage to the store. Chea had to temporarily close for a day, but thanks to generous donations from locals through GoFundMe, he was able to reopen quickly.
“I’ve always loved this community. It’s hard to imagine one day not being part of it,” Chea said.
However, Chea is now facing his toughest fight yet: Stage 4 cancer.
“I found out that I have stage 4 cancer,” he said. Chea was diagnosed with lung cancer, which has spread to his heart. As a result, he has had to shut down his donut shop for several weeks while focusing on his health. The loss of income has added to the emotional toll of his illness.
“The hardest part is that I no longer have a steady income. My business has been draining me, and now I feel stuck,” Chea shared.
To make matters worse, Chea’s wife is currently in Cambodia. They were married in May, but Chea is working on securing an emergency visa to bring her back to the U.S.
“I know he’s scared and stressed without her, and she’s equally worried,” said Chea’s close friend, Chrystal Hubbard.
To help, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Chea’s medical bills and help keep the donut shop running.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has donated. Your support means the world to us,” said Robert Nakawatase, a friend of Chea’s.
Chea is hopeful that, with the community’s help, he can maintain his business for a few more months while he focuses on recovery.
“I’m just hoping that with the help from the GoFundMe, I can keep the shop going for a few months. I might not be able to thrive, but at least the business will be waiting for me when I get better,” Chea said.
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