Jorge’s Lemonade Stand: A Story of Love and Hope
When Forest Gomez heard his dad, Jorge, needed to raise money for a kidney transplant, he immediately wanted to help and opened a lemonade stand.
Forest Gomez, a 9-year-old boy from north Phoenix, has spent the last three months running a donation-based lemonade stand to support his father, Jorge Gomez, in his battle with kidney failure. When Jorge learned he needed a new kidney, Forest’s first instinct was to step up and make a difference.
“We were laying down one night, and he asked me that if he sold all his toys, would it be enough for my transplant,” Jorge Gomez recalled. “I told him that he didn’t have to do that, but we can figure something out to raise money.”
Despite facing his own health challenges, Jorge Gomez has been a pillar of strength for his family. Diagnosed with kidney failure at 18, Jorge’s condition worsened three years ago, leading to the need for dialysis and eventually a kidney transplant. Due to his immigration status, Jorge cannot be put on a waiting list for a kidney and must fund the surgery himself, which costs $450,000 or over a million dollars without a live donor.
With the support of his family, particularly his son Forest, Jorge has found the strength to keep fighting. Forest’s lemonade stand is a symbol of love, unity, and hope in the face of adversity. Every weekend, the Gomez family serves lemonade and horchata to raise funds for Jorge’s transplant.
Moreover, Jorge’s sister, Maria Gomez, has set up a GoFundMe page to gather support from the community. Maria believes that even a $1 donation can make a difference in her brother’s journey. The Gomez family remains strong in their faith, believing that God is guiding them through this challenging time.
If you’d like to visit the lemonade stand and show your support, it’s open on Saturdays and Sundays on Escuda Drive in Phoenix. Your contribution, whether financial or moral, can make a significant impact on Jorge’s battle for a healthy life.
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Let’s stand together to support Jorge Gomez and his family in their fight for hope and healing. Your generosity and compassion can make a world of difference in their lives.
