It's not just Friday April 27, it's also Jarrod Danka Day in the City of Myrtle Beach, and across the state. Jarrod is an 11-year-old boy who was born with two kidney diseases, and now needs a second kidney transplant.
The Skywheel, with the support of other businesses, hosted a fundraiser to help his family with medical expenses. A portion of ticket sales from the Skywheel will go to a charity Jarrod's name, and those who made a donation, paid a discounted ticket price. Several bands also performed at Plyler Park to celebrate the day.
Like any other boy his age, Jarrod Danka likes to hang out with his friends and play video games. Despite undergoing a transplant, biopsies, and bruising from IV's, he remains upbeat. He does well in school and has donated to charity.
"Some kids don't have toys, so we decided we wanted to make them happy by getting them toys," said Jarrod.
Friday's fundraiser is just one of many events aimed at helping cover the cost of his transplant. His family needs thousands of dollars for the co-pay and to cover the donor's expenses. His hospital bills are mounting, including a stay at the hospital for a virus.
"The summer before last, Jarrod spent all but 11 days of the whole entire summer in the hospital. All but 11 days. So he's a very resilient child, takes the punches and he rolls well with them," explained Jarrod's mom Tracey. "If Jarrod can get up and run around and smile everyday, what right do we have to boo hoo? And he's not a sick kid. We never treated him like a sick kid. We don't let him act like a sick kid."
Jarrod deals with so many hospital stays and being prodded by doctors by relaxing. Tracey is amazed by the number of people who have reached out to help him. Including a fellow church member who's a match to donate her kidney.
"We're ready, Jarrod is ready. He has a lot of faith in God. He has a lot of faith in his doctors and he's all about getting Linda's kidney because she likes junk food," she said.
Donations for the Danka family can be sent to:
Horry County State Bank c/o Jarrod Danka Fund
PO Box 218 Loris, SC 29569
Donations will also be accepted at any Horry County State Bank branch.
