Irvin Xochitla, 19, is an example of how a lack of accessibility to health care can have catastrophic consequences for undocumented immigrants.
Irvin has been in the United States since he was only eight months old, when his parents brought him here. He was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 13 and although his prognosis was very dire, he is still alive. He had been receiving dialysis treatment in Georgia until he discovered that, at age 18, his immigration status disqualified him from further treatment.
Irvin was forced to move to California in order to continue receiving treatment and is now away from his mother in a place completely new to him. He has received great help from Isaac Barrera of the National Immigrant Youth Alliance (NIYA) and his family, but he is unable to work because of his medical condition and, of course, the cost of living in California. Irvin goes for dialysis treatment every day for nine hours.
Friends of his in DreamActivist Georgia (DAGA) went door-to-door in their community to raise funds to help Irvin, but they were only to collect a small amount. Please donate to help defray his costs until he can be reunited with his mother in Georgia. Whether it is a one-time donation or a regular contribution, it could be life-changing for Irvin.
We have all heard of the daily struggles in the South. In addition to being kicked out of schools and denied basic necessities, undocumented immigrants like Irvin are even being kicked out of hospitals. The saying “fighting for our lives” has become literal for so many undocumented people.
9 responses to Please Help Irvin, Who Was Banned From Dialysis In Georgia
mary torres on May 3, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Please help this person
Danny on May 26, 2012 at 12:01 pm
some of us have the privilege of a great health…Irvin did not have that choice…lets all come together and help him!!!…I’m sure we can all afford going out to the movies and have fun…Irvin just want to feel better, a few dollars from your pocket can make a difference. LET’s HELP A BROTHER!!!
Linda Azucena on July 6, 2012 at 6:07 am
Dear Irvin,
It breaks my heart to see how inhumane our society has become. Stay fuerte! Tu puedes. I don’t have much but I have contributed to you what I can with the hopes of it making a difference.
Much love and admiration!
Linda Sanchez.
irvin xochitla on October 1, 2012 at 2:01 am
Thank you so much i really appreciate that you took the time to chip in,God bless you and thank you again.
Gerardo Vazquez on July 6, 2012 at 8:08 am
Hope you get your Dialysis,
Gerardo
Sandra marquez on July 6, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Please Help Irvin!!
littleHuitzil on July 6, 2012 at 10:11 pm
I followed the link for donating, but it seems that the fundraiser has ended. Do you have any other information about Irving and where we can donate?
littleHuitzil on July 6, 2012 at 10:11 pm
I mean, Irvin*. Typo.
irvin xochitla on October 1, 2012 at 2:09 am
Just wanted to take the time to say thank you to everyone that has donated money and there time to read my story,I really appreciate all the help with all my heart,God bless and thank you so much.