#teamalejandro

  He’s ten.

We met him last year when he and Gabe played together during basketball season.

He’ll be mad at me for saying this, but he’s adorable. And a baller. Plays mean defense with his good buddy Alex.

Oh boy. I’m going to be in trouble for this. She was tall. He took her on anyway.

But he was gone a lot from practice, and he missed some games. When I finally saw his mom Kyndra again I asked her “Is he ok?” And that was the first time she told me.

Alejandro was born with Stage 4 kidney disease. From Day 1, the doctors knew he would need a transplant.

Since then, they have lived their lives as normally as possible. Kyndra is a single mom and Alejandro has a little brother and sister.  He’s been sick a lot, but they make it work.

Last May, they found out his kidney function was nearing the 20% threshold for the kidney transplant list and doctors told Kyndra to prepare. Family members are being tested in the hope of finding a living donor. Insurance will pick up the estimated $500,000 cost of surgery, but there will be significant other costs.

They have to go to Portland for surgery and then stay there for 5 weeks. Then they’ll head up one weekend a month for treatments. Kyndra will need to stay home full time for four months to care for him. Estimated costs: $50,000.

You know why I’m telling you this. Alejandro needs us. He needs our prayers and our good thoughts and yes, even our money.

They are selling t-shirts for $15 and every one of those dollars goes into the fund. If you buy one, I’ll pay your shipping.

You can also visit his fund-raising page at the Children’s Organ Transplant Association or visit the Facebook page to offer support.

There’s no such thing as other people’s children  ~ Hillary Clinton

#teamalejandro

Pacific Run Contestant #1: Alejandro del Rio. This character is taken.

Alejandro may come off as just a pretty face, and he’s willing to use that to his advantage. “I’ll let them underestimate me. Flying under the radar is a valid strategy - I’m just hoping I won’t have to rely on it too much.” And although he is grateful for the enriching experience of seeing foreign nations, he’s got his mind squarely on his own nation of origin, Mexico. “Every bit of money and publicity I can obtain for my cause can make a difference - even one achievement returned to my ancestors from their colonizers is a huge victory.” This intelligent and charming man has twice the ambition propelling him as his competitors, but will his eagerness to get ahead cause him to make a reckless move?