Ernie Reyes Jr who rescued many in his roles on the popular Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtle movies and other popular shows in the 80s and 90s is himself in need of help.
After more than six years of undergoing dialysis three days a week, the actor recently underwent a kidney transplant in Phoenix.
His sister says medical costs to assist in his recovery and post-operative medical procedures will be expensive and is asking for help from friends and fans.
“He now has unexpected living expenses for his stay in Phoenix, and when he returns home. This is especially difficult, considering that he won’t be physically able to work for the next several months, and will be unable to bring in income to support his family while he recovers,” Destiny Reyes wrote on Go Fund Me.
The campaign launched one week before Christmas has so far raised more than $29,000.
Reyes Jr. played Keno in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze and also did stunt work as Donatello in the original live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He has appeared in dozens of roles since 1985, according to his IMDB page, and continues to be active on film and television.
He has been waiting for a donor for a transplant since 2015.
“This is the Season of Miracles; my brother Ernie Jr. was blessed with an unexpected Christmas miracle—a kidney was suddenly available for transplant,” his sister wrote. :He was in Hawaii, once again giving inspiration and encouragement to others, when he got the news that he had to be in Phoenix, Arizona within 24 hours for the transplant. He caught a redeye flight to Phoenix, and arrived at the Mayo clinic on December 14, with barely enough time left for a successful transplant.”
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