U.S. officials helped an 11-year-old Mexican boy with a massive tumor get treatment in New Mexico, according to AP via Yahoo.
Kristean Alcocer from First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho released a statement saying Jose Antonio Ramirez Serrano had surgery Monday at the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital to remove the tumor from his neck, shoulder and torso area, according to AP. The procedure lasted longer than 12 hours and engaged 25 medical professionals.
In 2012, Jose and his parents were picked up in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, one of the most dangerous cities with a large drug cartel presence. U.S. Homeland Security Investigations aided with the arrangements for Jose to get care after First Baptist Church members met Jose while on a missionary visit, according to AP. The church raised money for Jose for the last two years and gained the support of New Mexico's Governor Susana Martinez, who asked federal officials if Jose could stay in the U.S. while he gets care.
Jose has had the tumor since birth when he was diagnosed with venous lymphangioma on his shoulder, but it grew so large that it affected his eyesight, according to AP. Without money for medical care, Jose's parents were afraid it would affect his heart. They were able to seek treatment in Juarez and El Paso, but they could not get the tumor removed.
"The road to recovery will be long, and many challenges still lie ahead for this young boy," said Alcocer, according to AP. Jose is staying with Alcocer during his recovery. Jose talks to his parents, she said, and his parents visit when they are able.
Jose will still need additional surgeries to reconstruct his shoulder and to remove excess skin, according to AP.
