CREVE COEUR, Mo. - Camille Fernandez, 17, is being treated for Leukemia at Mercy St. Louis Hospital in Creve Coeur.
Fernandez arrived Sunday night and will soon begin chemotherapy with the goal of a bone marrow transplant in the near future.
Martinez and his Tsunami Waves foundation first met Fernandez a few weeks ago at a medical clinic the pitcher and former Cardinal great Albert Pujols were hosting.
Tsunami Waves Director Marisa Diaz said they were advised by doctors that Fernandez would not live long without a bone marrow transplant and the surgery could not be performed in the Dominican Republic.
"I told Carlos we had to do anything we can to help her and here we are a few weeks later," Diaz said sitting next to Fernandez and Martinez in the lobby of Mercy St. Louis Hospital.
"Maria asked if we can help the family and I said, 'Yes, of course.' We are here to help a lot of people and a lot of families." Martinez said. "When I saw the situation I just said, 'Yes, of course. Let's go, let's do that because they need it, they need a lot of help.'"
According to the foundation, a number of St. Louis "Angels" pulled together to bring Fernandez and her family to Mercy. The family was transported to St. Louis thanks to Wings of Hope. Fernandez will be cared for by Dr. Rob Hansen of Mercy who was part of the medical clinic in the Dominican Republic where the foundation first met Fernandez. The foundation said other St. Louis doctors will also assist.
Diaz said the first step is to get through chemotherapy. If that goes well, Fernandez will have a bone marrow transplant. Fernandez's sister was also flown to St. Louis because she's a perfect match to be the donor.
Tsunami Waves posted information on its website on how you can help the Fernandez family:
"Here’s how you can get involved, we will be looking for donations of Men’s L- XL and Ladies M-L new or gently used winter clothing and donations of gift cards would be a blessing. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help with her medical expenses, you can do this on our website; www.tsunamiwavesfoundation.org. The St. Louis Cardinals have offered to be a central drop off location for donations at their administrative office at 700 Clark St, St. Louis, MO 63102"
