San Pedro Community joins to Save Baby Daniel

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 in the Community News Category

In San Pedro, the sense of community is strong, and holds fast. Whenever a family member or friend is in need, there is a great outpouring of love and help, and there is no question of why. Rather, the question is "how can I help?" Over the past few weeks, internet, TV, radio and newspaper media has been speaking out about one particularly special member of our community. Baby Daniel Estell Jr. is a name synonymous with hope, fight, and love.
Born on November 27th, 2009 in San Pedro, to young parents Ilda Guerrero and Daniel Estell, Daniel Jr. was a joy to his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. The images of his smiling face brought smiles to perfect strangers. But unbeknownst to all, Baby Daniel was suffering from a congenital condition known as Biliary Atresia. As doctors soon noted, Baby Daniel's liver has a blockage in the duct that transfers bile from liver to gall bladder, and puts the body at high risk. Baby Daniel thus began the fight for his life. The first fundraiser held was for his first treatment, known as the Kasai Procedure, one of two options available for patients who have the condition. Unfortunately, it has come to the point where Baby Daniel will need a liver transplant in order to survive.
With a price tag of $350K - $400K USD, the odds are overwhelming, and the goal seems high. But, in a truly touching show of solidarity and hope, the young people of La Isla Bonita have united with one goal: Save Baby Daniel. That a tiny baby has brought to light the true sense of community is a sign of the generation to come. San Pedro parents have instilled in their children that when one is in need, it is a duty and a privilege to lend a hand. That lesson is now being put to the test, as former classmates, friends, and friends of friends have campaigned, using social networking sites, blogs, media and more to spread the word and create awareness of this desperate struggle to Save Baby Daniel. The video of a heartbroken young mother and father, whose biggest wish is to bring back their healthy firstborn baby boy home, has touched the hearts of many. Absolute strangers have joined forces to do what they can to meet that daunting $350K - $400K goal.
It is a huge responsibility to have a child, and as they say, it takes a village to raise one. This is one instance where that is quite literal. Organizations like the Lions Club, the fledgling San Pedro Cancer Society, friends, families, businesses and complete strangers have all been a part of the efforts to save this young boy's life. So far on the list of activities, there has been Jaguar's "Another Friday Gone Wild", Saturday's Rummage Sale at the Lions Den, Sunday's all day Beach Bash, and a personal family loan, the amount raised so far is $83,430.65USD. This amount is close to the down payment of $175,000USD for the procedure to go underway.
While still so far away from the ultimate goal and as each day ticks past, it is hope, prayers, and staunch faith that keep the young family going. And keeping up the spirits are their ever helpful friends here at home who continued with Tuesday's door to door sale of tickets for a land raffle, plus Tackle Box's Chinese Bidding. Wednesday was another night of (Chinese) bidding at Wet Willy's, with DJ Debbie at the turntables. Friday night, the fundraising efforts will continue with a food sale at the Lion's Den. Hosted by The San Pedro Cancer Society, the food sale will carry on before, during and after Bingo, starting at 5:00 PM. Food will include tamales, relleno (amongst other traditional dishes), ceviche, desserts and mixed tropical drinks. A dance will also follow with music provided by Rompe Raja. More events are being planned, so be on the lookout for those as well. The friends of Baby Daniel and his parents all have the same mindset, "We must Save Baby Daniel."

How to make payments:

1. Through Wachovia Acct # 10 10 166 397 743 When using this account, you must use Daniel Guerrero (Baby Daniel's Granddad) as the username.

2. Through Paypal , at oh.dannyboy@belizemail.net

If you are not familiar with PayPal.com, there are instructions on how to donate at: http://savebabydaniel.com/how-to-donate-with-paypal-to-save-baby-daniel/

3. Directly through Children's Hospital; if you choose this option and we are unable to raise sufficient funds to do the surgery, your donation would stay with CHLA to be used for other children. However, if UCLA or another hospital agrees to do the surgery before then, they can bill CHLA, and the money would come out of the direct fund.

Any funds donated for the medical treatment of patient Daniel Estell can be wired to:

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Bank of America

525 South Flower Street

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Bank Routing Number: ABA 121000358
Bank Account Number: 14596-04240

Donors MUST designate the funds for Daniel Estell on the wire transfer.