I became involved in the effort to raise money for this young man,  when I saw Kyle Hicks in a Target store.  I introduced myself ...because I had seen him many times on TV and in the newspaper.  How kind and warm and unfortunately  in pain he was.

Guess what ....there is a surgery that will help cure him of EB (Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa).   It will not only take away his pain, it will allow him to stop changing his head-to-toe bandages everyday,  and will potentially allow his skin to grow and heal.     There is a possibility that Kyle won't make it if he doesnt get the transplant soon.

The transplant is done only at a hospital in Minnesota.   BOTH Kyles Mother and Father have health insurance.  BOTH are refusing to pay.  Hence,  the fundraising effort.  Just over 375 thousand dollars has been  raised in a year and a half with a promise of 150 thousand dollars more from two local car dealers once the surgery appointment is made.  This money was made thru dozens and dozens of little fundraisers organized by people who have been touched by Kyle.

In an effort to do a follow up story on all this,  I have contacted both insurance companies AND the hospital.   The folks on Team Kyle just want to know if the three of them can make up the difference.   The Team has called several times,...to no avail.   I at least got through to all three parties....but as soon as they found out what story I was calling about,  they did not return my phone calls.

So,  Team Kyles question is this.... are these insurance companies and the hospital going to let Kyle die...or suffer for the rest of his life?   Thousands of residents in Wichita have raised just over 375 thousand dollars so far.  With the 150 thousand that two local care dealers will chip in,  it's up to 525  thousand dollars!!   That's how much Wichita cares.   It would be nice if the other three parties could make up for the three hundred  fifty thousand dollar difference.   Will they actually refuse to call anyone back, let alone chip in, and let Kyle live in pain...or worse,  not survive??  Other insurance companies have paid for this surgery ... letting  other kids with EB lead normal lives.   

When is it Kyle's turn??

P.S.An 8th grader who doesnt even know  Kyle just  today called Team Kyle and  offerred to raise money at her 8th grade dance to contribute to the fund. ...the little fundraisers continue to go on.  Lets hope these meager efforts raise enough money before it's too late.