Parents of “Baby A.J.” to meet again with Emory officials

HOPE: A.J.’s parents’ lawyers say the toddler is recovering from an abdominal infection that recently sent him to the ER.GoFundMe/Carmellia BurgessParents of A.J. Burgess, the 2-year-old denied a much-needed organ transplant by Emory Healthcare, will meet again with hospital officials today, in hopes of brokering a deal to save the toddler’s health.

“Baby A.J.” Burgess, born without working kidneys, was set to undergo transplant surgery early last month, but Emory canceled his appointment due to his donor father’s criminal history. The transplant team cited U.S. Department of Health and Human Services policies which state recent imprisonment could increase a prospective donor’s chances of carrying a communicable disease.

Activists, lawyers, and politicians rose up in support of A.J., ultimately earning him a sit-down with Emory officials last Thursday. The hospital has not indicated it’s any closer to green-lighting the operation, but the young boy’s parents should have a clearer picture of the road ahead after today’s 1 p.m. meeting.

Read our feature on “Baby A.J. here, and check back soon for updates on his story.