An Atlanta family is fighting for answers and action in an effort to save their son – a 2-year-old who was born with no kidneys. Anthony Dickerson is a 100 percent match for his son AJ, but red tape between the hospital and local police are currently keeping him from saving his son's life.
According to WXIA, AJ is left waiting for transplant surgery after Dickerson was arrested for possession of a firearm last month which violates the terms of his probation.
"That's all I ever wanted — was a son," Dickerson told WXIA. "And I finally got him, and he's in this situation."
"Two steps closer to giving him a kidney and we got shut down, basically," said AJ's mother Carmella Burgess.
Dickerson said Emory Hospital sent a letter to the Gwinnett County Jail explaining the situation stated: "Mr. Dickerson is currently in custody for a parole violation. If Mr. Dickerson could be escorted to Emory for blood work and a pre-operative appointment tomorrow, September 29, we will be able to continue with the scheduled surgery."
However, Dickerson says the hospital's tone changed upon his release.
"The Living Donor Transplant Team at Emory as asked Mr. Dickerson for evidence of compliance from his parole officer for the next three months. We will re-evaluate Mr. Dickerson in January 2018 after receipt of his completed documentation."
Two months ago, AJ suffered a stroke and needs constant care. The family said Dickerson's probation violation has absolutely nothing to do with the surgery or getting AJ the care he needs.
"He's only two," Burgess said. "He don't deserve this. We've been waiting so long for this."
Due to doctor-patient confidentiality, the hospital and Emory Healthcare said they can't answer specific questions about this family's situation.
"Guidelines for organ transplantation are designed to maximize the chance of success for organ recipients and minimize the risk for living donors," the hospital said.
The family's only hope for AJ is to get on the kidney transplant wait list which could take a really long time. Dickerson said he doesn't want his past mistakes to affect his son and the care he needs.
"What do he got to do with the mistakes I made?" Anthony said. "Nothing."