Immigrant Denied Kidney Transplant

Jesus Navarro’s wife wants to donate her kidney to him, but the hospital won’t let her -- Jesus could die.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - Jesus Navarro could die without a kidney transplant. His wife is a match, she wants to donate her kidney to save her husband's life, and Jesus even has health insurance to cover the transplant.

But because Jesus is undocumented, the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center is refusing to perform surgery, essentially leaving Jesus to die.

Donald Kagan understands what Jesus is going through better than most. Donald immigrated from Nicaragua, and he needed (and received) a kidney transplant that saved his life. Donald is now a partner at a technology firm in Berkeley, CA -- and he has offered to pay Jesus's post-surgery medical bills. But UCSF Medical Center still says no.

When doctors take the Hippocratic Oath, one of the things they swear is that, "I will remember that I remain a member of society with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm."

The administrators at UCSF Medical Center are forgoing their obligations as caregivers only because Jesus is undocumented.

After waiting for years for this surgery, Jesus was devastated to learn that it still might not happen. "He's afraid he might die," Jesus's sister told NBC News. "He might not see his daughter grow up."

The UCSF Medical Center administrators don't want a public relations disaster on their hands -- but that's exactly what they'll have if thousands of people sign Donald's petition and they still refuse to provide Jesus with the surgery that could save his life.

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Joe Verip February 8, 2012 12:29 pm (Pacific time)

As a former top-level administrator at UCSF I know that for decades they recruited patients from all over the world, most paid cash for their operations because they were rich; usually from "important" families. UC did not worry if they had money for "followup care". Jesus has health insurance to pay for his kidney transplant operation. If he leaves the country (for whatever reason) he is free to fly here for follow-up care and there is nothing to suggest he couldn't pay for it. Why does this remind me of Komen vs. Planned Parenthood ...? I hope somebody will ask UCSF to compare Jesus with all the patients who come here to be treated, and who cannot show they will be able to come back here for follow-up care!! joeverip@gmail.com

Anonymous February 8, 2012 11:40 am (Pacific time)

Another Immigrant sob story. He is not suppose to be here in the firat place. Gimme gimme, thats what they want. i call them "illigals". Get a ticket to his home Country, including his wife. What does it take for the American people to wake up and let the Government know whats enough is enough. Self-deport, thats the answer

Anonymous February 8, 2012 6:47 am (Pacific time)

They should seek out other locations that will perform the operation. They have insurance? Certainly the advanced medical facilities in their home country could do the operation? I wonder how many American citizens have died while illegals have flooded our emergency rooms and their wait became fatal? How many emergency rooms in border state hospitals have closed down in the last 30 plus years, which also increases the time Americans have to wait for care, in effect causing many deaths. Hint: Dozens. All over the country transplants have been done for illegals while Americans die. Ironically it is the taxpayer who subsidizes these hospitals. I hate to see anyone suffer, but to have our citizens get top priority is essential in my opinion. I imagine if any of you, or your loved ones, needed any type of livesaving treatment had to wait in line, and possibly die, while an illegal went in front, you would not like it. Those who say differently are not being honest. Maybe all those "Cadillac" medical plans most university professors have cannot fathom the above reality, for they are the first to egg people on, but they always remain in the rear/sidelines.

M. Dennis Paul, Ph.D. February 7, 2012 9:50 pm (Pacific time)

I seriously wonder how many of the administrators wear tiny crosses around their necks or attend Mass every Sunday (or silently say a little prayer at the 9th hole). Is this what they would do to Jesus? Wait a minute! This IS what they ARE doing to Jesus!! And I am not being facetious at all. Such medicine (Humour) will not heal in this situation. Please sign the petition. Do not let these jackanape dogs get away with this.

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Immigrant Denied Kidney Transplant

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