Phoenix-area family asking for platelets donors as son fights for life
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Valley family is calling on the community for help.
Their son, 18-year-old Elijah Hernandez, is fighting for his life in the hospital and needs platelet donations.
Blood donation centers say they are always in need of donations. For Hernandez, a match would be rare, but his family is holding out hope.
“It is pretty rough. God is on our side. All we can ask for is help from different people,” said KayGee Hernandez, Elijah’s father.
Elijah was born with a condition called pulmonary valve stenosis, which blocks blood flow to the lungs. Now, he is suffering from kidney and liver failure.
KayGee Hernandez said a specific type of platelet donation could keep him alive.
“Hoping someone has the same match of platelets that can stick to his body. A lot of the platelets that have been given, which we are thankful for, haven’t been staying there,” said KayGee Hernandez.
KayGee Hernandez said that even if they don’t get a match, they hope more platelet donations will help other kids in need. You can donate platelets through the Red Cross or Vitalant.
“I said you are helping someone else regardless. That is what you have always been known for,” said KayGee Hernandez.
Meanwhile, Elijah’s family is collecting donations to help with mounting medical bills. If you would like to help, click/tap here.
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