Last Updated on October 14, 2015 – 9:12 AM CDT
Above: The Knights of Columbus is holding a benefit dinner Sunday to raise money to help with the medical costs for 4-month-old Damian Maldonado, who needs a liver transplant.
Four-month-old Damian Maldonado is facing medical issues that would try the courage of adults, much less a baby. Days after turning 3-months-old, he was diagnosed with biliary artesia, a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts that occurs in children. He went through surgery and was hospitalized for about three weeks.
But Damian’s medical ordeal wasn’t over. Just three days after he was allowed to go home, he had to return to the hospital to be treated for an infection. It meant he would have to spend another four days in the hospital. Recently, doctors sent Damian and his parents, Roland and Cindia Maldonado, to a liver transplant center in Denver. They were told Damian’s surgery hadn’t been successful, and he would need a liver transplant — a 4-month-old baby.
Roland is fortunate to have good insurance, but the costs of getting treatment for Damian are mounting for the family. A few days ago, family friends organized a horse ride from Cactus to Dumas to raise money to help cover Damian’s medical expenses. Dozens of people participated. Now another group has stepped up to help the family.
The Knights of Columbus will hold a benefit dinner Sunday at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, and all the proceeds with go to the Maldonados. The Knights will cover the costs of the meal, Bob Brinkman said. They will serve barbecue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the cost is $10 a plate.
The dinner is open to everyone, and tickets can be purchased the day of the dinner, or you can call Brinkman at 806-934-8378.
INFORMATION TO KNOW:
WHAT: Benefit dinner to help with medical costs for a liver transplant for 4-month-old Damian Maldonado
WHEN: Oct. 18
WHERE: Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
TIME: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: $10 per plate