Medical expenses and Medications for Jeziah

Jeziah Oquendo, son of Arelis and Dempsey Oquendo, just turned 6yrs old on March 2, 2022. On April 20,2022 he started feeling slightly ill but nothing emergent. April 22nd he was showing signs of teething due to his 2 bottom molars coming out so the parents thought no big deal. Jeziah started having low grade temps each evening with headaches. Within 3 days the fever started going up to 102.4 came down with meds but kept increasing up to 104.1 with a slight stomache. They took him to their nearby hospital thinking it might've been some type of stomach flu or infection with his molars. However, things took a BIG turn of events for the family and he had to be transferred to a specialty hospital.....

Jeziah was emergently admitted to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on April 28, 2022 and was subsequently diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) on May 4, 2022. B-ALL is a life-threatening form of cancer, requiring approximately 3 years of chemotherapy, which Jeziah is currently receiving as of May 6,2022. The first 8-10 months of treatment are the most intensive, requiring weekly clinic visits and some planned and unplanned admissions. Following this intensive phase of treatment, Jeziah will continue to receive outpatient chemotherapy and come to clinic at least once per month for an additional 2 ½ years. Treatment may also include the need for blood products, spinal taps, bone marrow aspirates/biopsies and other supportive medications. There may be times that Jeziah is unexpectedly admitted to the hospital, or treated in clinic, due to his compromised immune system. There is a 95% cure undergoing treatment with 90% no side affects post treatment hence why things needed to start asap.

During this sensitive time we ask if you may give the family some time to cope with the news and refrain from asking too many questions, however, sending your prayers and support will make them know how much they are cared and are thought of during this difficult time. Please pray for the family as this process will take them on an emotional journey for some time. If anyone would like to support them in finances for their son's medical/medication expenses, travel, and/or food would greatly help. If anyone in FDNY would like to donate time for Arelis in order to take off from work for doctors appointments or any unexpected admissions would help as well, contact us so we can give you the proper credentials for the sick time or annual leave donations. Any contributions or gesture will help this family and they will be very Grateful to you during this hard time. If anyone has any questions please reach out to Leila Cosme or Jessica Maldonado via inbox.