Jose Robles, a 42-year-old father of three, is in desperate need of a heart transplant. However, the organ bank denied him because he’s undocumented.
CREDIT: Facebook/Mabel Chavez
“My cousin was denied a heart transplant because of his legal status,” Mabel Chavez wrote on Facebook. “He is a father to three beautiful children. My family and I are broken and cannot fathom how a piece of paper can stop someone from receiving the proper care. He was given 4 weeks to 1 year to live. Right now we are trying to spread awareness and are in search for any information. If you have experience with situations like this, or know anyone who does please let us know. Most importantly keep my cousin and our family in your prayers. Thank you.”
His daughter, Jasmine, went on Twitter to plead for help, and her tweet has gone viral.
My dad got denied his heart transplant due to not being a legal US resident and has up to 4 weeks to 1 year to live. TWITTER PLEASE DO YOUR THING AND HELP THIS GO VIRAL TO SEEK HELP. pic.twitter.com/IJN2p6n7Vh
— Jasmine (@jasmineroblesz) January 13, 2018
Her tweet has been retweeted more than 200,000 times, and the family has since started a GoFundme page for Jose. Their goal is to reach $800,000. So far, however, less than $10,000 has been raised.
Jasmine was asked on Twitter if her family was in need of an “immigration sponsor, a donor, money, or all three.” Jasmine responded by saying they need all three.
According to their GoFundme page, his undocumented status seems to be his biggest setback.
CREDIT: GoFundme
“In the last few days we have been seeking legal help in this situation,” Mabel writes on Gofundme. “As many have pointed out, the organ donor website states that non-residents can receive an organ in the U.S. However, according to the doctor, the organ bank that the hospital contacted denied Jose from being put on the list because there is a preference for legal U.S. residents. The doctors team has been calling many organ banks but every single one they’ve called has deemed Jose ineligible based on his citizenship status. The doctor even expressed shock seeing as this is happening in California of all states. It’s an infuriating situation as this is clearly a violation of the organ donor registry’s own terms. As of today, that is what I know but I am still trying to get every detail on this specific point and will update it soon for all of you.”
The response to her tweet has been overwhelming.
This is inhumane….. praying for your father and your family. My heart breaks to see people being denied LIFE because of the status of their citizenship. https://t.co/usww8JnRfo
— Alexis Isabel (@lexi4prez) January 14, 2018
Supposedly yes. This was a big suprise to us and for the group of doctors in UCLA. We are all looking to find a solution.
— Lupita Romero (@Lupita22romero1) January 15, 2018
CREDIT: Facebook/Mabel Chavez
We have reached out to Jasmine for a comment and will update this story when we hear back.
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