Eleven-year-old Jason Meredith is all smiles playing basketball with his little brother, but not to long ago he couldn't play at all after he suddenly got very sick.
"It was really painful, scary, kind of like a knife digging into your side really bad, "said Meredith.
Jason couldn't keep any food or liquid in his stomach for days so his mom rushed him to Virtua Voorhees Hospital. Kelly Gauntt says they were sent home after Jason was diagnosed with dehydration.
But days later, the pain and suffering got worse.
"It's the scariest thing you can imagine as a parent," said Gauntt.
So, they made a second trip to the ER, only this time, "one blood test was all they needed to know he had abscesses and his appendix had ruptured," said Gaunt.
Doctors immediately rushed Jason to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he spent the next 16 days on heavy antibiotics, an IV fluid line and a surgical drain.
"Every hour they took my vital signs, like temperature, an arm thing," said Meredith.
As Jason recovered, the hospital bills started to pile up.
Kelly does not have insurance and now she owes more than $100,000. Plus, they can't go home.
Her utilities have been cut off, there is mold in her house and she had to take a month off from work to take care of her son.
Now, Jason is getting ready for surgery as doctors plan to remove his appendix next month.
The family is now hosting a fundraiser to help pay for the medical bills at the Lindewold Fire House on October 20th.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:10 GMT
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:23 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:23:12 GMT
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street.
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:20 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:20:21 GMT
Doctor Michelle Liggio was a very popular Pensauken doctor. Tonight she's a murder victim. Police say her husband shot her inside her office before turning the gun on himself.
Doctor Michelle Liggio was a very popular Pensauken doctor. Tonight she's a murder victim. Police say her husband shot her inside her office before turning the gun on himself.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:56 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:56:59 GMT
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:55 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:55:15 GMT
Bensalem police have arrested the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in. They previously released a series of suspect photos to help in the search.
Bensalem police have arrested the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in. They previously released a series of suspect photos to help in the search.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:58:16 GMT
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:07:39 GMT
Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
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Jason Meredith, 11, spent more than two weeks in a hospital and will now have to have his appendix removed.
