Wesley Snipes Jr.
(Seguin) — If you came across the smile of 11-year-old Will Snipes, Jr., you probably wouldn’t be able to even begin to imagine the challenges that plague this young man and his family – challenges that have them looking for that someone who will help save his life.
During this week of Thanksgiving, Snipe’s mother, Vanessa, is not only thankful for her son but is hopeful that her son will soon be matched with a kidney donor. She says since he was born, her son has “faced more challenges in his (few) years than most will ever see in a lifetime.”
She says born three months premature, Will was diagnosed with a host of health conditions including Joubert Syndrome, a rare genetic condition which limits the boy’s speech and mobility. Snipes says that condition has now created new problems for his kidneys.
“At this point, he is in complete kidney failure. He is currently doing dialysis three times a week for three hours and of course, that takes up an entire day for driving from Canyon Lake to downtown San Antonio at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital and so, we are currently looking for living kidney donors so that we he has a greater chance of living a longer life because later down the road, he will need another transplant and so the living donor will be the way to go at the moment and that’s what we are trying to achieve and we’ve had a great list going almost 22 strong heroes that want to help him so we just need to keep adding on to it so that way if someone isn’t a match, then the next one might be so that’s what we are hoping for right now,” said Snipes.
Despite all his difficulties over the years including those he faces today, Snipes says her son remains happy and friendly.
“Will, he’s always just come back. He survived a brain hemorrhage at birth. I can’t even describe how terrifying and happy he’s made us feel. He just lights up a room anytime that he enters it. He laughs. His laughter is just contagious and he’s my boy. He’s my heroe. He’s my love. He’s my life and my daughter loves him so much. They are like two peas in a pod. Everybody just really enjoys him. He’s non verbal but he says so much with his smile,” said Snipes.
Snipes says she hopes that by inviting people into their lives with this story, it will help lead them to the answers that they’ve been looking for.
“I am begging anyone who is willing to save my son’s life to please consider donating their kidney. We are going to be a part of an exchange program as well so that if you are a match and you need your two kidneys and want them, then myself or my husband can give you a kidney but we want our boy saved. He’s still so young and we want him to live a long happy life. He’s faced so many challenges already. He’s a fighter. I can’t even express how I’m feeling right now because there are no words that exist. No mother wants to see their child suffer and I am asking for people to please step forward and consider donating their kidneys because he’s my everything and it would mean the world to us,” said Snipes.
Snipes says Will’s story is being shared this week as family and friends plan a barbecue benefit this holiday weekend to help offset medical costs. She says unfortunately, Will has no insurance and does not qualify for Medicaid or Chip. Snipes says this latest diagnosis of kidney failure has qualified him for Medicare, but it will only cover a certain amount making it important for the family to raise the money and all while they search for a donor.
Snipes, who is originally from Seguin but who currently lives in Canyon Lake, says she is thankful to her Morales family here in Seguin and to all those who continue to show their support for her son.
A barbecue fundraiser in honor of Will will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Boot Scootin Bar located at 4004 FM 78 in McQueeney. Plates are $8 each and will include chicken, sausage, rice, beans, and potato salad. Those who want make a monetary donation to the family are encouraged to do so via a GoFundMe account that has been established by the family. Donations can also be made at Venmo@Will-Snipes-2 or at CashApp $WillSnipes2. Those wishing to be added to the potential donor list are asked to contact Snipes at 830-837-9319.