Mexican Teen Awaits Urgent Surgery In Chicago

By Ana Mendieta

Staff Reporter

The third of three Mexican children whose urgent need for organ transplants got caught up in debates over their status as undocumented immigrants will soon receive the operation at Children's Memorial Hospital.

Samira Ocampo, 13, will receive a cord blood stem cell transplant within three weeks for her relapsed leukemia, which requires "highly specialized treatment,'' said spokeswoman Julie Pesch.

"I feel very happy because I will be saved and I will be able to save other children with our alliance,'' Samira said.

Jesus Ramirez, 12, and 11-year-old Ana Esparza already have had transplants.

Jesus is recovering successfully from a cord stem cell transplant he received in August, also at Children's Memorial, to treat severe lymphatic leukemia.

"These children have realized that there are humanitarian people who are willing to help them, and now they want to create a support network to help other undocumented children,'' said Esteban Burgoa, a volunteer for the three children's fund-raising campaign, which started in April.

Ana received a new liver to replace her diseased one at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami in July.

Children's Memorial will cover all expenses of Jesus and Samira's transplants and post-care visits, for which the hospital can't receive federal reimbursement because both children are illegal immigrants. The cost of cord stem cell transplants ranges between $150,000 and $300,000, Pesch said. Children's Memorial is also providing free post-care visits for Ana, and Jackson Memorial Hospital is paying for her medication.

Jesus and Samira are expected to recover fully and lead a normal life within a year, Pesch said.

Samira said she wants to raise money to help two other Mexican undocumented immigrant children who need kidney transplants. She has opened a bank account under her name at the First Bank of the Americas, 2215 S. California, Chicago 60608. For more information, call the bank at (773) 247-7214 or (773)523-3145.

Copyright © 2000 Digital Chicago Inc.

This article posted November 11, 2001.