Illinois boy, 8, denied life-saving surgery by insurance

COAL VALLEY, Ill. (WLS) -- An Illinois family is planning a fundraiser so their 8-year-old son can have much-needed surgery.

Liam Doxsee has severe combined immune deficiency. He's been in out of hospitals for treatment since he was an infant.

His family says the surgeon qualified to operate on him also practices plastic surgery, so their insurance won't cover it.

They'll hold a benefit next month to try and raise $53,000 to pay for the surgery.

"It's not a butt lift, it's a pediatric, time-sensitive emergency surgery that he really needs," said Mary Matheson, Liam's mother.

"It's really hard," Liam said. "Because if you were in my body, then you would feel what it's worth."

The "Love For Liam" benefit will be held Jan. 15 in Coal Valley, Illinois.