U.S. doctors remove boy’s massive tumor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An 11-year-old Mexican boy who had been suffering from a massive tumor and drew international attention after U.S. officials helped him get treatment in New Mexico had the growth removed after a long surgery, a church said Tuesday.

In a statement, Kristean Alcocer of the First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho said Jose Antonio Ramirez Serrano underwent surgery Monday at the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital to remove the tumor from his neck, shoulder and torso area.

The surgery lasted a more than 12 hours and involved 25 medical professionals, Alcocer said.

“The road to recovery will be long, and many challenges still lie ahead for this young boy,” said Alcocer, who is housing Jose while he receives treatment.

In July 2012, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations assisted in picking up Jose and his parents from a neighborhood in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico — one of the deadliest cities in the world at the time because of the presence of drug cartels.

Federal agents helped the family seek care for Jose after First Baptist Church members saw him during a missionary visit.

After stories and images of the boy went viral, First Baptist Church officials reported a jump in donations to help him raise money for the surgeries.

Jose was diagnosed with venous lymphangioma on his shoulder, and he was told by doctors at the University of New Mexico Hospital that he had to undergo a series of surgeries and treatments to remove the huge fluid buildup.

Jose’s parents have said the tumor on his shoulder and neck grew so large that it affected his eyesight. They said they were afraid it might move into his heart. With no money for medical care, the family sought treatment in Juarez and El Paso, but they did not receive any help removing the tumor, which has afflicted Jose since birth.

For the past two years, the church has raised money for the boy.

The plight of Jose drew support from New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, who asked federal officials to extend his stay in the U.S. so he could continue treatment.

Jose still needs surgeries to reconstruct his shoulder bone and to remove excess skin, officials said.

Jose often talks to his parents, who visit when they can, Alcocer said.

Talk to us

More in Local News

The town post office in Index, Washington on Wedesday, Nov. 29, 2023.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Index, smallest town in Snohomish County, is No. 1 in voter turnout

Index has beaten the Snohomish County ballot return rate in each of the last 10 years. Snohomish County leaders have a few theories as to why.

Founder and Executive Director Pa Ousman Joof, alongside Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell, right, prepares to cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the Washington West African Center on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Born out of struggle, West African Center flourishes in Lynnwood

African music filled the room Saturday at 19203 36th Ave. West, for the grand opening of the nonprofit’s new state headquarters.

An STI clinic opened Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Free STI clinic opens in Everett after 14-year hiatus — and as rates spike

The county-run facility will provide treatment and resources for prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Graffiti covers the eastern side of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County Cascade Unit on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Again, Boys and Girls Club tagged with suspected gang signs in Everett

Residents on Cascade Drive say their neighborhood has been the scene of excessive graffiti and sometimes gunfire in the past year.

A suspected gas explosion on Wednesday destroyed a house in the 19700 block of 25TH DR SE in Bothell, Washington. (Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue)
After a newly bought Bothell house exploded, experts urge caution

The owners had closed on their purchase of the house just two days earlier. No one was hurt in the explosion.

A sign in front of the AquaSox front office references the upcoming Everett City Council vote on a sum of $1.1 million to give to outside contractors to help upgrade a new stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett AquaSox stadium upgrade gets $1.1M green light from city

City officials want to keep the team in Everett. But will they play in a new stadium downtown in 2027? Or an updated Funko Field?

Joseph David Emerson, left, 44, was arraigned in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Tues., Oct. 24, 2023, in Portland, Ore. Emerson, a pilot, is accused of attempting to disable the engines of a plane on which he was riding while off-duty last Sunday. Emerson pleaded not guilty Tuesday. (Dave Killen/The Oregonian via AP, Pool)
Pilot indicted over Everett in-flight sabotage incident, but not for attempted murder

Joseph David Emerson on Tuesday was indicted on a charge of endangering an aircraft and 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person.

Brenda Stonecipher, left, and Mary Fosse
Everett council president pitches ban on serving in 2 elected offices

Departing City Council member Brenda Stonecipher’s ordinance would only apply to one current member, Mary Fosse, who feels “targeted.”

Gov. Jay Inslee chats with attendees during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Evergreen Manor Family Services Center on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Gov. Inslee to seek $50M more toward opioid education, treatment

Inslee announced the plan Monday before meeting with treatment providers, advocates and others in Everett.

Logo for news use, for stories regarding Washington state government — Olympia, the Legislature and state agencies. No caption necessary. 20220331
Washington lawmakers begin to drop bills ahead of upcoming session

Legislation so far covers areas like insulin pricing, unemployment benefits for striking workers, and impounding vehicles for people who drive without insurance.

Herald photographers Olivia Vanni and Ryan Berry traveled around Snohmoish County amid near-record flooding Tuesday to capture the scene.
GALLERY: Record flooding in Snohomish County

Herald photographers captured the scene Tuesday across Arlington, Sultan and Monroe.

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald)
Providence Swedish tightens COVID, mask policy

Citing a rise in respiratory illness, local hospitals and clinics will require masks for care.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.