Community Unites To Help Boy’S Fight For Life Thousands Of Dollars Raised To Find Bone Marrow Donor For Infant

Sat., Jan. 16, 1999

By Robin Rivers robinr@spokesman.com

One tiny boy struggling with a life-threatening condition has stirred the compassion of the Spokane community, from school children to car dealers.

Thousands of dollars have been raised in the last week to help save the life of 8-month-old Riley Hess, who is dying of a rare genetic disorder.

Patsy Clark’s restaurant will donate 10 percent of its receipts between Friday and Sunday.

Three local dealerships will match the winnings of people who grab cash from a money machine at the annual Main Event auto sale this weekend at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds.

And 148 children at Nine Mile Falls Elementary School gave up allowances, did extra chores and dug deep into their tiny pockets Friday to donate $1,806 in pennies for Riley, whose grandmother is the school secretary.

“It was so heartwarming to see children giving from the heart,” said Nine Mile Falls parent Darla Blankevoort. “My son said, `Mom, for me it’s a Nintendo. For Riley, it’s his life.”’

Riley has severe combined immune deficiency, which means he was born without an immune system and routine childhood illnesses such as the flu can be fatal.

The boy’s only chance for survival is a bone marrow transplant, which is possible medically. But, the financial issues are a different story.

His parents, Charlie and Lori Hess, have health insurance that will pay for a transplant, but not for a donor who is unrelated to the family.

The Hess’ have been unable to find a match for Riley among family members. But, doctors believe they’ve found a compatible donor.

About $30,000 is needed to complete testing before doctors at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center can begin the transplant.

That’s money the Hess family doesn’t have, said friends on Friday.

“They need all the help they can get,” said Brian Ostby.

Riley is at the critical stage with the disease, his parents said. A transplant will be necessary within the next few weeks.

“We’re amazed by people’s generosity,” Charlie Hess said. Without that, Riley had little hope.

This sidebar appeared with the story: TO HELP A tax-deductible donation fund has been set up in Riley’s name at Washington Mutual Bank. Donations can be made at any branch or by mailing a check for the Riley Hess Fund to the bank at P.O. Box 18619, Spokane 99228.

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