Ramona Child Needs Kidney Transplant

A 16-month-old Ramona boy is winning hearts throughout San Diego county as his parents seek financial help for the kidney transplant he needs.

Liam Houck, a cherubic blond with big blue eyes, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure at Children's Hospital in Seattle, according to the Children's Organ Transplant Association.

The association's Jessica Rehberger said Liam's parents need $50,000 to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The child's father, Reid, is a Marine based at MCAS Miramar. His mother, Vanessa, retired from the Air Force to take care of Liam, according to Rehberger.

A Ramona store kicked off a fundraising campaign last week and is hoping others will do the same.

is working on a video with the family and will do a public awareness campaign from their booth at beginning Thursday.

Victoria Bradley, who co-owns the store with her husband, Robert,  said they became aware of the family's need because the Houcks are customers.

"Robert is the baby holder in the community," she said, with a chuckle. "The moms love it because he'll hold the babies while they shop."

So, Robert has placed a fundraising jar on the counter and is working with COTA to get the word out. He is hoping other Ramona stores will do the same.

A Point Loma yogurt shop is holding a fundraiser today. Cup of Yo, at 955 Catalina Blvd., will donate 20 percent of its sales proceeds. It is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ramona Family Naturals will sell $5 vouchers at the fair for a bake sale at their store at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 13. They'll also offer vouchers for their frozen bananas for a $5 donation.

"They're known as Ramona's favorite banana," Victoria Bradley quipped. The vouchers can be purchased at the fair and redeemed at the store.

"We'll also take signups at the fair of people who could donate a kidney," she said. "People can sign up at the store to help at the booth at the fair. We'll need a lot of help."

Suzanne Reese is the community coordinator for COTA. Click here to learn more about the organization.

City News Service contributed to this report.