Alejandra Hurtado

    June 1999 -- We are very sad to report that Alejandra passed away. She died of complications with her feeding tube, while hospitalized. Our thoughts are with Alejandra's brave family in their grief.

Alejandra was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was 2 and a half years old. Because of the location of the tumor at the brain stem, surgery was impossible. Alejandra was treated with radiation therapy, which did not work. The tumor continued to grow, and she became ill from the treatments. Doctors at a major hospital for children in Philadelphia told her parents, Maria and Jorge, "to take her home and make her happy" for the few months Alejandra had left to live.

Since beginning Dr. Stanislaw R. Burzynski's antineoplaston therapy, in November of 1998, Alejandra's tumor has decreased in size. She is now 3 years old and beginning to talk again.

Alejandra no longer must go back and forth to the hospital for treatment of the side effects of the radiation therapy. Her right leg and foot, which were stiff, have returned to normal. Alejandra no longer needs her breathing machine four times a day, and her medication dosages have been reduced.

The Hurtado's health care insurance will not pay for the treatment that is helping Alejandra. Jeff Smith, Ryan's dad, is helping the family with fundraising efforts. Eleven-year-old Ryan is being treated with antineoplastons and is in remission from the same type of brain tumor.

The Hurtado's story recently appeared in The Press of Atlantic City, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232; 609-272-7000.

Donations to help Alejandra can be sent to Alee's Hope Fund, C/O Colleen Kelly, Fleet Bank, 119 New Road, Somers Point, NJ   08244.