Family Trying To Raise $50,000 For A Life Changing Surgery

Alabama China Kevin Wheat was just 3 years old when he nearly drowned. The accident left him with brain damage. Kevin's family is hoping to travel to China for a procedure that is only there. But they can't do it without your help.
by Jamie Burch
Published: Fri, October 23, 2009 - 5:15 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, October 23, 2009 - 5:33 pm CST
SEMMES, Alabama - Family and friends of Kevin Wheat are hoping to raise a lot of money to help change the 5-year-old's life for the better

Kevin nearly drowned when he was 3 years old. The accident left him with brain damage. Doctors had to perform a tracheotomy to help him breathe. They also installed an abdominal feeding tube.

Now two years later, Kevin's family is hoping to raise $50,000 so they can travel to China for a special procedure that is only performed there.

To help get the Wheat family to China, friends are holding a fundraiser tomorrow (Saturday) at Faith Baptist Church on Jack Williams Road in Wilmer. Dinner plates are available for $6 and there will be homemade cookies, cakes and pies for sale.

If you can't make it tomorrow, you can also make a donation to the "Little Kevin Wheat Fund" at any Regions Bank.
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sheltiedad
sheltiedad Says:
Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 7:58 pm

I agree cissiebee.

I wish Kevin luck and a doctor with a steady hand.

Godspeed.

cissiebee Says:
Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 5:52 pm

Not under minding you at all and maybe it is something not allowed over here but 50 thousand for a life saving, risky treatment is really cheap.  If I had no insurance and it was cheaper in another country I would check into it too.  I wish them luck.

sheltiedad
sheltiedad Says:
Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 5:42 pm

Hi cissiebee,

I don’t know if cost was a factor.

The article said, “so they can travel to China for a special procedure that is only performed there.”

Maybe it is a cost factor, or a risky procedure not sanctioned by the U.S., but if the article is correct, it appears that, at least in this case, the Chinese medical system has made some major advances.

Don’t know if I would want to have a procedure that is only done in a Communist country.  What recourse would you have if something goes wrong?

On the other hand, a child’s life is in the balance and I guess all resources should be examined.

cissiebee Says:
Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 3:24 pm

Everything is made in China because it is made by unborn Chinese children and labor is cheap.  Maybe his procedure is cheaper over there.

sheltiedad
sheltiedad Says:
Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Hopefully Kevin will be able to go to China for the treatment and I wish him well.

However, what does it say about our country when we have to send a sick patient to China for advanced surgical procedures.

Not only is almost everything we buy made in China, but they now are offering advances in medicine?

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