Justice System Will Allow Toddler To Die Because Kidney Donor Violated Parole

This is one of the most gut-wrenching things I’ve ever come across. A two-year-old born without kidneys has a chance to live due to finding the perfect donor. The willing donor is the child’s own father. But suddenly, a September 29th transplant surgery at Emory Hospital was canceled.

The reason, A.J., the boy in needs name, cant’ accept the transplant from his father, Anthony Dickerson, because his father violated parole. Carmella Burgess, A.J.’s mother, thought life was finally back on track until the justice system intervened and disrupted things, placing the boy’s life in danger.

According to fee.com

“Two steps closer to giving him a kidney and we got shut down, basically,” Burgess said.

Dickerson violated his parole a few weeks prior to the scheduled surgery when he was charged with possession of a firearm or knife. However, it is still unclear which weapon was actually found on his person. This resulted in his arrest, which unfortunately made him unavailable for his surgical appointment.

Initially, the hospital seemed to understand and was even willing to make accommodations for law enforcement to bring Dickerson to the hospital. Emory officials stated in a letter:

Mr. Dickerson is currently in custody for a parole violation. If Mr. Dickerson could be escorted to Emory for blood work and a pre-operative appointment tomorrow, September 29, we will be able to continue with the scheduled surgery.”

The hospital was willing and ready to accept the transplant.

Here’s the hospital’s note just prior to the transplant.

Mr. Dickerson is currently in custody for a parole violation. If Mr. Dickerson could be escorted to Emory for blood work and a pre-operative appointment tomorrow, September 29, we will be able to continue with the scheduled surgery.”

And here’s a follow-up.

The Living Donor Transplant Team at Emory has asked Mr. Dickerson for evidence of compliance from his parole officer for the next three months. We will re-evaluate Mr. Dickerson in January 2018 after receipt of his completed documentation.”

The hospital is a private business, it has the right to proceed as it wishes, however, the health care system, which is a government wing, is so terribly integrated with hospitals that Emory likely folded due to pressure. Not good, not moral, but that’s the situation. I would suggest reading the entire piece written by Fee.