Man’s immigration status puts kidney transplant on hold

A social media campaign is growing for a 35-year-old Oakland man who claims UCSF is denying him kidney transplant surgery because he's an illegal immigrant.

Jesus Navarro, slowly dying from kidney failure, said he fears he won't live to see his 3-year-old daughter grow up.

"I had insurance," Navarro said. "I had work. I had everything."

After 6-and-half years on the kidney transplant recipient list, Navarro made it to the top only to find out surgery would be unlikely because he wouldn't be able to afford the lifetime of follow up care required.

As an undocumented worker, Navarro is not entitled to Medicare, which often picks up the bulk of the costs.

The Navarro's plight is gaining national attention and support is pouring in as are donations. Since the website went live Thursday, $400 has poured in.

Advocate Donald Kagan said UCSF should perform the transplant surgery, because it's the right thing to do.

"He's paid his taxes, he's waited his time on the list," Kagan said. "He's done everything he's supposed to do."

UCSF disagrees. The hospital said it does not make decision based on immigration status.

Instead, spokesman said that because there's such a shortage of organs, the ethical thing to do is make sure it's given to the person with the best chance of long term survival and that includes the necessary follow-up care.

The wife of Jesus Navarro said she's hoping to become the donor for her husband

"I'm afraid he's going to die next week, next month," Navarro's wife said. "I don't know what's going to happen."

The Navarro's and UCSF are expected to meet soon to discuss their options.