Arriana set for surgery

After a bit of a hang-up, a 3-year-old Monahans girl is set for surgery.

Arriana Juarez, who suffers from a large facial tumor, will undergo a sclerotherapy treatment today at New York's Roosevelt Hospital, said her mother, Regina Bustos.

It will prepare her for a six-hour surgery Monday with Dr. Milton Waner, who will remove a large part of the tumor.

Bustos said the sclerotherapy, which uses injections to treat blood vessels before surgery, was originally planned for Wednesday. But officials wanted $53,000 up front when the family only had $30,000.

But Robert Juarez, Arriana's father, said a loan from his dad set up the surgery.

"It felt great when I received that phone call from him," Robert Juarez said via phone from New York. "It was a big relief off my shoulders."

So far, Arriana has undergone a tracheostomy, which opens up her windpipe to help her breathe during surgery.

The $53,000 down payment will only cover 20 percent of the first surgery, Bustos said. Plus doctors have told her additional surgeries could be needed for up to two years.

But she said payment arrangements are being worked out, and the family, who's uninsured, is planning more fund-raisers to help cover the bills.

Also Thursday, KOSA-TV news anchor Tatum Hubbard said an anonymous donor gave $20,000 through the station to help with Arriana's bills.

Though it all, Bustos said Arriana's spunky attitude has remained intact.

"She's doing real good," she said. "She is still the same Arriana she's been since Day 1."

HOW TO HELP

>> A trust fund has been set up at West Texas State Bank to help with Arriana Juarez's medical bills. The account number is 8601333. For information on donating, call 943-7561.