Ven

Nine-year-old snatched from ganglands for tumour surgery

Yahoo!7 July 21, 2012, 5:04 pm

A nine-year-old Mexican boy has been plucked from the depths of a gang-infested neighbourhood by heavily armed agents to be treated for a severe tumour growing from his neck.
'Jose', as he is identified by authorities, has suffered from an abnormally large tumour from the side of his neck since his birth.
His parents say the tumour had grown so large that it affects his eyesight and fear it could move into his heart.
But with no money or medial care, Jose had very limited options. It wasn't until he was spotted near an orphanage by members of a Baptist church that authorities planned to snatch the young boy and his parents from one of the deadliest cities in the world - Ciudad Juarez.
Pastor of First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, Si Budagher, said the church family felt compelled to help the boy after spotting his good will.
"He just came up to us and offered to carry groceries," she said. "The Lord put him in front of us."

Nine-year-old 'Jose' was rescued from ganglands of one of the most dangerous cities in the world for treatment. Photo: AP

The US Border Patrol then collaborated with a coalition of US federal agencies to get the family in on a 45-day humanitarian visa for treatment in New Mexico.
"I refused to believe that there was nothing we could do for this boy," said Denise Gutierrez, a victim assistance coordinator for Homeland Security Investigations.
Despite the fact it is still unclear what treatment is needed to completely remove the tumour, the church has set up a donation fund to help with the cost of the family's stay in the US.
Jose said he's not sure what he will do when the tumor is removed.
'Play soccer,' he said. 'Maybe ride a bike.'