SAN ANTONIO – In addition to friends and family, Justin Easterling’s diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia has touched strangers as well, including a North Side restaurant that’s donating 20 percent of its Monday proceeds toward the young boy’s mounting medical bills.
“They need any help they can get,” said Verlyn Maldonado, a family friend.
Maldonado said Justin’s family is solely relying on the salary of his father, Jason Easterling, an administrator with the Alamo Community College District. She said Justin’s mother Keiba resigned her teaching position to care for their son.
Maldonado said the family’s bills are now “astronomical” and although Justin regularly travels to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., it does not cover any medical treatments in San Antonio or any travel costs.
She said Justin has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy, spinal taps, blood transfusions and more.
“The expenses on one income are just too much for them to bear really,” Maldonado said.
She said besides Justin’s GoFundMe account, the Stone Oak location of BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is donating 20 percent of its Monday proceeds.
Maldonado said the offer is valid through 11 p.m.
“Bring the flier. It’s on Facebook,” Maldonado said. “Or, they can come in and mention Justin Easterling.”
His mother said, “We’re just so blown away by all the love and support we’ve gotten from the community.”
Keiba Easterling said they were especially grateful to their respective employers, including Kinder Ranch Elementary School where Justin’s mother taught and he attended classes, and their church family at Summit Christian Center.
She said their support is invaluable at a time like this.
Easterling said, “It is very scary. We’re just relying on God, but it’s very scary.”