Thursday, October 19, 2006
International Kids Fund raising approximately $60,000 to cover life-saving medical treatment
What:15 day-old Justin Mota was born with a heart defect known as Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a very serious condition where the connections to the heart chambers of the aorta and pulmonary artery are inverted. Left untreated, he will die. The International Kids Fund (IKF), a program of the Jackson Memorial Foundation, will announce a campaign to raise $60,000 to save his life.
Why:While Justin's heart damage is severe, it can be reversed with urgent and life-saving medical surgery that is not available in his home country. Unfortunately, he does not have medical insurance and his family cannot afford the cost of the treatment in the United States. In addition, since he is not a U.S. resident, the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center cannot use taxpayer's money to fund his procedure. Instead, it is offering Justin's medical care to IKF at charitable rates. IKF seeks to provide medical care to needy children from around the world who suffer from life-threatening illnesses that cannot be treated in these children's countries. Thanks to IKF and the support of the community, hundreds of children have received expert attention from medical specialists at Holtz Children's Hospital, part of UM/Jackson Memorial. IKF is entirely funded by donations from the general public and private organizations.
Who: During the news conference, media will have access to:
· Justin Mota
· Genina Holquin, Justin's mother
· Dr. Eliot Rosenkranz, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial
· Maria-Luisa Chea, director, International Kids Fund
When:Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
Where:The Alamo (pink & white small building on main entrance) UM/Jackson Memorial Medical Center 1611 N.W. 12th Avenue Miami, FL 33136 (Please park in parking building located across from The Alamo)
Contact: International Kids Fund Re: Justin Mota P.O. Box 012297 Miami, FL 33101; Miami Phone: 305-585-5888; Toll Free: 1-877-IKF-KIDS (1-877-453-5437)
