DURHAM, N.C. -

A lifesaving stem cell transplant for a little boy in Durham was a success but now the family of Nasir Holman is stuck with massive medical bills.

The Holmans teamed up with a national non-profit to raise money for the treatment and to help other transplant patients.

Duke Hospital has become a second home to Tameka Holman and 11-year-old Nasir. The young boy is battling leukemia for the second time in his short life.

"He has been through so much and when you see him, he has a smile that will throw you back," said Tameka Holman. She said his treatment is going well, but it's been a long journey for his family.

"It had got to one point, I prayed that it it would be taken from him and given it to me," she said. "But I had to accept that it's there and I have to roll with the punches."

Doctors performed a stem cell transplant in April, but the family is having a hard time paying the medical bills. Doctors told the Holman family about the Children's Organ Transplant Association, also known as COTA. The nonprofit raises money for transplant related expenses. It hopes to raise $40,000 for the Holmans.

"I was told his treatment is going to be very expensive and the doctor was telling me that I would need support," said Tameka. "Speaking with them it gave me a lot of hope, not to be too worried or too stressed out about trying to pay his hospital bills."

Nasir and his mom have a long way to go before they reach their goal. But they have faith he'll soon be able to leave the hospital and return home.

Visit their website for more information.

See the original post:
Durham family of 11-year-old leukemia patient getting help with medical bills