Two-year-old Atlanta boy, AJ Burgess, was taken to the emergency room on Sunday morning for treatment of a peritonitis infection. This happened after his kidney transplant was delayed because of his father’s criminal records. AJ’s dad is the sole donor match.
A life-saving kidney transplant was denied for little AJ because his father failed to comply with his probation. The surgery was set for October 3rd; however, his dad was arrested. Surgeons had told AJ’s family that the baby would have to wait until January, but the toddler’s mother doubts that his baby can make it until next year given his current health conditions.
“He made it his business to say, ‘Once I get out, I’m gonna promise to my son that he can get a kidney,” A.J.’s mother, Carmellia, said.
AJ’s father will have to behave very well if he wants to save his son’s life
Since 2011, AJ’s father, Anthony Dickerson has visiting jail due to several misdemeanor theft charges and a first-degree forgery charge. His 2-year-old son was born earlier than expected and because of that one of his kidneys has never worked. The need for a kidney transplant has been growing as time goes by. A few months ago, the little boy, who only weighs 25 pounds, suffered a stroke.
His father was tested and proved to be the perfect candidate to save AJ’s life. The transplant was set for October. Anthony, 26, was released from jail soon before the surgery and he was completely willing to give the organ his son needed.
The only problem was that AJ’s father was arrested again, one day before the surgery because he violated his probation on weapon charges when he was found possessing a weapon while he was attempting to commit a felony. Anthony was arrested by authorities in Gwinnett County.
“The family of ‘Baby AJ’ Burgess is en route the emergency room and asks for prayers from the community as Baby AJ battles a peritonitis infection. AJ is waiting for kidney transplant surgery but his father, who is his perfect match donor, has been denied the opportunity to donate his kidney to expedite the process of transplanting a new kidney,” said Atlanta attorney Mawuli Davis.
Davis also added that the family is desperate for help to save Baby AJ’s life and is asking for help “from anyone who may be able to expedite the process of transplanting a new kidney.”
AJ’s mother: He won’t make it until next year
Doctors at the Emory Hospital in Atlanta told AJ’s mother they had to wait until January 2018 since they are re-evaluating the status of the donor to make sure all the requirements for the operation are in order.
Apparently, the hospital said that the Living Donor Transplant Team at Emory needs Dickerson to behave well for the next three to four months so that he can give the organ to AJ. Emory Healthcare refused to provide more information about this case because of privacy regulation and respect for patient confidentiality.
AJ’s mother is desperate because she considers that his son won’t be able to survive until January. She also stated that AJ needs a bladder surgery, too. Carmellia said that the hospital should not punish her baby for the felonies of his father. Currently, AJ is unable to walk. He depends on a dialysis machine. She said that the story is not about his husband but his boy who is in need of a new kidney.
Source: Rolling Out
…for crying out loud how stupid can the criminal justice system be? It’s easy ……let the father go give his son the transplant to save the kids like asap and then when the surgery is done …put him in cuffs if you want…it’s not like he’s going for a jog having a kidney removed ……then you can throw the book at him for parole violation.
The sins of our fathers. What crap that this child is being denied treatment.
There is no moral reason under the sun why this little boy shouldn’t be able to get his dad’s kidney right now. He might not need the kidney in January. He might be dead by then. I will be phoning John Lewis’s office (404-659-0116) and Senator David Perdue (404) 865-0087) and Senator Johnny Isakson’s offices ( (770) 661-0999) Monday morning. Flood them with calls.
Thanks! I called and left a message but I’ll call back tomorrow.
Yet another example of the sheer idiocy of bureaucracy. Yes, the father is a career criminal who should probably be taken off the streets permanently. But the sins of the father are not visited upon the son in this era. If the boy dies because the state denied him a transplant, the state will be held to account, and I hope the mother receives a windfall settlement. Bureaucracy for the sake of bureaucracy is an unmitigated evil.
Jesus repeatedly condemned the Pharisees for knowing every detail of the Law, but ignoring completely the spirit behind it. Modern-day Pharisees do the same.
Too bad the father was a thug. This is just another type of black on black crime.
This is just another ignorant comment from a coward caucasoid
This is just another unnecessary comment, From an ignorant caucasoid.
Pants up don’t loot
they should call their members of congress immediately. even their state reps.
You can call, too. I dont live in Ga., but the family does, so I called both senators and their congressman. Who, btw, is John Lewis. If they get enough calls, they might actually do something.
excellent point. thank you.
Well, obviously, the kid deserved it for having a flaky father…..