In an extraordinary display of generosity, people around the globe have united to raise more than $230,000 in just a few days for a child who was refused a kidney transplant at Duke University's children’s hospital.
Yulia Hicks, aged fourteen, is facing a kidney disorder that requires a transplant. However, her family states the hospital has denied placing her on the wait list for this procedure due to her lack of receiving vaccinations against COVID-19. Despite this fact, it is important to note that she had already recovered from coronavirus prior.
The North Carolina family has officially enlisted a legal representative in their mission to oppose the hospital. With faith, they are hoping that this case can serve as an example for further progress and that policy changes may be initiated from it
“We increased the amount we are trying to raise because we know we will have legal fees, and we don’t know the extent of our bills for travel, etc. as we will likely be going out of state for transplant,” Lee and Chrissy said. With a lofty goal of half a million dollars, our fundraiser is now underway.
The GiveSendGo account denounced Duke's refusal to grant Yulia a kidney transplant, calling it an “unconscionable injustice.” To make matters worse, the girl and her family are now responsible for covering out-of-state transport and accommodation costs – not just for Yulia and her mother, but also for the prospective donor.
“Undergoing a transplant is neither easy nor fast,” the post continued. “From taking multiple pre-operative tests to going through the procedure, all the way to recuperation, and years of regular appointments; this endeavor has now become financially insurmountable for Hicks' large family.”
After Yulia was welcomed into the Hicks family in January 2021, her transition went effortlessly. She blended right away with Lee and Chrissy’s other 10 children, two of whom were adopted as well.
Just last week, The Daily Wire uncovered through journalist Alex Berenson a recorded phone call between a Duke health official and the Hicks family that revealed Yulia must receive her COVID vaccine prior to being considered for an available kidney transplant.
The Duke Health kidney specialist reported that although he could not require Yulia to follow the recommendations, if she chose not to then she would no longer be eligible for a transplant.
According to the kidney specialist, a lack of CDC-recommended vaccinations based on her age is part of that scenario.
According to a recorded call, Yulia's family has claimed that she had already been afflicted with COVID but managed to recover. Unfortunately, medical experts informed them that her natural immunity was insufficient for the virus.
During the call, one doctor warned that as the virus evolves and mutates, natural immunity alone is not enough to ensure protection – a vaccine should be added to this equation.
