Family Of 10-Year-Old With Cancer Continues Search For Treatment

By ABC-7 Reporter/Anchor Ken Molestina

EL PASO, Texas — A Juarez family continues their struggle to find treatment for a child dying of cancer.

Ten-year-old Cristina was released from University Medical Center Tuesday afternoon. Now her family is trying their luck at Providence Hospital.

Cristina’s family brought her to Providence hoping they can buy some time to get her the chemotherapy she needs.

ABC-7 cameras were rolling as Cristina and her family left University Medical Center.

Under federal law, hospitals are required to stabilize a patient regardless of the circumstance, including nationality, if they present themselves at a hospital’s emergency room in an emergency condition.

It was under that protocol that Cristina was able to stay at UMC for two weeks, but Tuesday UMC had to discharge her because, according to her family, there was nothing more they could do for her.

Because they believe Providence Hospital could treat Cristina’s rare form of cancer, her family is hoping Providence will take her in under the same federal law that got Cristina admitted into UMC.

Her family said they are still waiting on a miracle to help save Cristina.

“We’re very desperate, very desperate, but still hopeful that someone will help us out,” said Adriana Briones, Cristina’s sister.

The family says Cristina’s rare cancer is in Stage 4, which means it has spread to other organs of her body.

An account has been set up to help Cristina:

Acc # 488025396528 Bank of America

Questions should be directed to Anna Ortega (915) 491-4023.