Ojai rallies to kidney patient's aid
by Kelly Feser Eells

Andy Hernandez, described by those who know him as "full of energy," is typical of most 13-year-old boys in many respects. He is also atypical in many respects, because few, if any, of his friends were born with small, weak kidneys; fewer still have to connect to a dialysis machine six nights a week - for up to 10 hours a stretch - which Hernandez has been doing for the last two years.
Hernandez's last surgery, on Nov. 29, 2000, cleared the way for him to start the intensive dialysis treatment he's been enduring these last two years. Immediately prior to that surgery, his kidneys were declared completely useless and the search for a donor began. On Monday, Dec. 9, he's having hernia (a frequent complication associated with rigorous dialysis) surgery.
"Andy came into my life when he was 6 years old," said Gloria Jones, owner of Ojai's Around the Corner Art Gallery/Plush Surroundings Interiors. "He's a wonderful kid, and his mother's a terrific lady. And now, after two years of great suffering by both his and his mother, Rosa's - who's been by his side every step of the way - parts, it looks like they've finally found" a suitable donor.
Indeed, Andy's paternal uncle, Soccoro Hernandez, was found to have a matching blood type, and was brought to the United States from Mexico on Oct. 31. However, he leaves a wife and 10 children in Mexico and, in the interim, "Andy's family has been supporting them."
To help offset these expenses (much of Hernandez's own medical expenses are being covered by MediCal, CCS, and Medicare), Jones is donating 5 percent of all Around the Corner sales through the month of December to the LUPE - Latinos Unidos Pro Educacíon - account set up on Hernandez's behalf at Washington Mutual Bank. She further encourages the community to attend an Andy Hernandez "fun" fund-raising event, "... featuring Mexican food, live music and dancing," on Dec. 20, beginning at 6 p.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 185 St. Thomas Drive. Tickets are $10 apiece, and may be purchased at Around the Corner, 105 S. Montgomery St.; Jones may be reached at 640-8844.
Lourdes Carranza, who, more than two years after her own kidney transplant, still gushes over "what Ojai, as a community, can do" when need be, is similarly dedicated to helping the Hernandezes through their ordeal. "The opportunities to help people come all the time," said the self-effacing Signal Street resident; "and I know that Ojai can do a lot."
Even before undergoing her own life-saving surgery in September of 2000, when she received one of her "hero's," sister Concha Jiminez's, kidneys, Carranza was known for "giving back to the community I love. I may not have money, but ..."
Her voice trailing off, she indicates that, next to being mother to 10-year-old son, Alan, "helping people, especially people in need" is what she loves best. And, to that end, Carranza is coordinating a fundraising rummage sale on the Hernandezes' behalf. The rummage sale is scheduled for Jan. 11 - time and location not yet confirmed - but Carranza is now accepting donations, and will accept them "up to two days prior" to the event. Please call 646-7017 for drop-off information and/or additional details.
Proceeds from both of the above-listed fundraisers will be deposited in the LUPE/Andy Hernandez account. Direct deposits may also be made to the (Washington Mutual Bank) LUPE account, No. 1793315574, indicating "Andy Hernandez, kidney" in the memo portion of the check.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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