[Breaking News] Immigrants and Hunger Strikers Arrive at University of Illinois Medical Center
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José G. Herrera
Jun 13, 2012, 12:02:25 PM6/13/12
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Press Contacts:
Fr. Jose Landaverde: 773-512-8015
Hilda: 312-385-9220
Press Conference at 12:30pm (UIC Medical Center)
Immigrants Demand Medical Care For all Individuals including the Undocumented Community
Chicago IL, A group of Immigrant rights advocates, families, and supporters of the Hunger Strike that began 10 days ago, arrive at University of Illinois Medical Center after a march that began at 11am from Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, 3442 W. 26th St. Chicago IL.
University of Illinois Medical Center is located at 1740 W. Taylor Chicago IL.
Marchers are expected to arrive at 12:30pm. A press conference is being held to announce their demands and actions against hospitals who denied medical care for undocumented people.
The march route is as follows:
East on 26th St, North on S. California, East on W. Cermak, North on S. Ashland, and West on Taylor Ave.
Background:
On Wednesday morning there will be a “Walk for Life” to demand that UIC Medical Center face the community and explain why they refuse to treat undocumented patients. Since Sunday June 3rd Sonia Lopez, Hilda Burgos, Lorenzo Arroyo, Catalina Arroyo and Fr. Jose Landaverde have been on a hunger strike to save the lives of three victims of cancer and to protests inhumane, discriminatory healthcare practices. They will be joined by community members and Clergy outraged at the hypocrisy of an institution that is supposedly dedicated to “Changing medicine. For good.”
Father Landaverde explains the drastic measures taken; “This hunger strike as well as the walk for life is gaining a lot of support because of the ethical issues involved. We will not end the strike until these medical institutions sit down and talk with us.”
One of the Victims, Jorge Mariscal (23) son of Sonia Lopez, has lost a kidney to cancer and needs a transplant to save his life. Two more victims; brothers Elfego (37) and Lorenzo (36) Arroyo suffer from Amyloidosis a form of cancer and are both in need of a liver transplant.
All three not only suffer from life-threatening illnesses but also suffer from the inhumane exclusion of undocumented immigrants from the organ transplant waiting lists. Their situation is a reflection of a system that cares more about profit than saving lives. Most undocumented immigrants are either uninsured or underinsured, a situation that creates a healthcare crisis in our communities.
Hunger striker and aunt of the Arroyo Brothers, Catalina Arroyo seeks support for their cause; “This hunger strike is for everyone in this situation, don’t leave us alone in this fight for life, we are human beings that deserve the respect and dignity to be treated.”
Father Landaverde explains the drastic measures taken; “This hunger strike as well as the walk for life is gaining a lot of support because of the ethical issues involved. We will not end the strike until these medical institutions sit down and talk with us.”
One of the Victims, Jorge Mariscal (23) son of Sonia Lopez, has lost a kidney to cancer and needs a transplant to save his life. Two more victims; brothers Elfego (37) and Lorenzo (36) Arroyo suffer from Amyloidosis a form of cancer and are both in need of a liver transplant.
All three not only suffer from life-threatening illnesses but also suffer from the inhumane exclusion of undocumented immigrants from the organ transplant waiting lists. Their situation is a reflection of a system that cares more about profit than saving lives. Most undocumented immigrants are either uninsured or underinsured, a situation that creates a healthcare crisis in our communities.
Hunger striker and aunt of the Arroyo Brothers, Catalina Arroyo seeks support for their cause; “This hunger strike is for everyone in this situation, don’t leave us alone in this fight for life, we are human beings that deserve the respect and dignity to be treated.”
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