Scavenging for a kidney

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LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Scavenging southwest Florida to build a kidney. It may sound a little strange, but it’s a fundraiser for a 21-year-old who has been living with lupus since he was just 9 years old.

For Jimmy Serrago, life has taken a difficult turn.

“I was in tears. I was just in so much pain,” said Serrago.

At the age of nine, he was diagnosed with lupus. He made trip after trip to the doctor to undergo dialysis, and now, 11 years later it seems there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. A donor has come forward who wants to specifically help him.

“She’s been a blessing to put herself through almost everything I’ve been through, as far as testing and everything. I can’t thank her enough,” said Serrago.

But from trips to the East Coast of Florida, to medications costs, surgery bills and more, the numbers add up quickly.

“His health is more important than anything right now,” said Serrago’s father.

A scavenger hunt planned by the Lost Riders, starting at the Six-Bends Harley Davidson dealership Saturday morning helped raise money to offset as much of those bills as possible.

Riders followed a map throughout Southwest Florida, putting together the pieces of a puzzle to build a kidney.

“Just being loved by so many people at one time, you know, so it’s for a good cause, you know,” said Serrago’s father.

Jimmy’s mother, Jeannie Serrago, said “Look at all these people, these are all our friends.  We know 90 percent of them, the other 10 percent are just here supporting us.”

His brother Nick adds, “Even if they may not know him, they’re still here and they’re just trying to help out and I think it’s awesome.”

If you would like to donate, you can contact Steve Morris at 239-872-6143.

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