JAIME MIRANDA

A new life for a boy, but eviction notices for his parents

By ANDREW ABRAMSON
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

After waiting two years for the phone call of his life, and finally hearing that a kidney was available for his 2-year-old son Justin, Jaime Miranda was stuck in traffic, 100 miles away from Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Out of nowhere, from the back seat, Justin said, “Hey, Daddy, God is here.”
“I don’t know where he got that from, but all of a sudden we got an opening on the left hand side of the road and we made it in an hour and 50 minutes,” Miranda said.
A day later, Justin had his new kidney. But for Jaime Miranda, it’s still a constant struggle to care for his family of four sons, ages 2 to 18, while ensuring Justin has the best possible medical care.
The nightmare began two years ago in Puerto Rico, when Justin was several months old with two failing kidneys. There, the family risked waiting years for a new kidney. Instead, the Mirandas decided to leave, with little more than the clothes on their backs and small donations from the Salvation Army. They ended up in Stuart.
Jaime, who ran a cafeteria in Puerto Rico, landed a job at FPL. But with just one car in the family, any time Justin needs to visit Jackson Memorial, Jaime has to take off work.
Florida Power & Light agreed to the arrangement, although it means that Jaime can go days without pay when Justin is sick.
Agnes, Jaime’s wife, is a stay-at-home mom.
“We decided to just dedicate ourselves to Justin, for his life,” Jaime said. “This is a lifelong thing. I’ve been backed up on my bills, I’ve had four eviction notices. Sometimes I can’t work.”
In October, the family Jeep ­— sold to the Mirandas by a friend for $400 — caught fire during a trip to the grocery . Now the family must make car payments on a used Grand Marquis, which makes paying rent even more of a challenge.
But it’s all worth it when Jaime sees a huge smile on Justin’s face. If anything, the boy is more active than ever because many of his 15 daily medications boost energy. It can be a bit overwhelming for the family, but it’s so much better than watching Justin lying in bed, barely able to move.
Justin’s new kidney is expected to last only about 10 years, and the next one will last only about five.
“With stem cells and modern technology, maybe one day there will be an alternative where he won’t need another kidney ever again,” Miranda said. “I’m just hoping I can live to see my baby go to college, see my baby evolve into a normal child.”

THE MIRANDAS’ WISH

The Mirandas need a reliable vehicle to take baby Justin to and from his doctor’s appointments in Miami, as well as clothing, shoes, diapers for Justin (size five), and assistance with rent and utilities to help the family catch up with past-due monthly bills. While most important for the family are basic needs, they also need bedroom and living room furniture.

Nominated by: Salvation Army of Martin County, 901 Johnson Ave., Stuart, FL; (772) 288-1471.

UPDATE

For the first time since 2-year-old Justin Miranda received his new kidney, his family can breathe a small sigh of relief.

The Mirandas, nominated by The Salvation Army of Martin County, have received cash and two furniture donations. They have also had the rent paid for their Stuart apartment through February.

At FPL, where Justin’s father, Jaime, works, co-workers have been rallying to lend their help through employee services.

But most importantly, Justin is healthy.

“We are so grateful that people have been willing to help us in this time of need,” Miranda said.