Emory University Hospital has now approved the surgery, but the fight is not over. Sign the card, to show support for A.J. and his family. SIGN THE CARD!

 

Last weekend, Emory University Hospital agreed to proceed with the lifesaving kidney transplant surgery for 2-year-old A.J.¹ The hospital’s CEO Dr. Jonathan Lewin finally admitted it was a mistake to delay important medical treatment.² Emory University was completely wrong in the first place. The surgery was supposed to occur early last month — even with the signoff from Gwinnett County Jail. Instead, the hospital canceled because the father, Anthony Dickerson has a criminal past. To punish a child for his father’s past offenses is blatant discrimination

The fight is not over. We are showing up for A.J. and his family to make sure no other family endures this type of stress and agony.

A.J and his family’s strength has never wavered. We are sending a card to the family to let them know they are not alone in the struggle. Carmen, will you please sign the card today?

In just a short time, over 43,000 Color Of Change members like you signed the petition calling on Emory University Hospital to do the surgery for A.J. With the outpouring of community support in Atlanta, A.J. is on the path to finally receive the surgery he desperately needs. Too often returning citizens and their families are pushed to the margins and struggle to gain fair access to the most basic human rights such as healthcare. We need to show an institution like Emory University Hospital that they are not above the law nor should they dictate the right of a parent. Now we must make sure, the hospital follows through on its promise.

Sign the card today and let A.J. and his family know we are on their side and are fighting for them.

It is good news that Emory University has now approved the surgery. But we still need to keep up the pressure for systemic changes that holds medical institutions accountable for negligence and abuse of power. There is a long and frightening legacy of such institutions ostracizing and exploiting Black people. No family should have to hope, beg, and plead for urgent and lifesaving care. And no parent should have to justify their right to provide and care for their child. A.J. deserves a speedy recovery and the right to live as a free, happy child.

Please sign the card.

Thanks for supporting A.J. and his family,

Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Anay, Clarise, Enchanta, Malaya, Kristen, Katrese, and the rest of the Color Of Change team

References:

1.”Emory Healthcare Approves Kidney Transplant For 2-Year-Old A.J. Burgess,” Ice Cream Convos, 11-03-2017 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/10246?t=9&akid=8140%2E1174326%2EmNpeVI

2. “Kidney transplant for toddler closer to reality after hospital CEO admits mistake,” The Telegraph, 11-03-2017 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/10247?t=11&akid=8140%2E1174326%2EmNpeVI