Plainfield boy gets lifesaving liver transplant

PLAINFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- A suburban boy got to celebrate his sixth birthday on Monday thanks to a lifesaving liver transplant.

E.J. Maldonado is a survivor. A few years ago, his parents learned he needed a transplant. After several surgeries and an organ donation, the Plainfield, Ill. boy was given a second chance at life.

The group Gift of Hope said it's important for people to sign up to be an organ donor, especially in the Latino community.

"With over a thousand Hispanics on the waiting list in Illinois, we need everyone to be aware of the opportunity to save lives through organ and tissue donation," Kevin Cmunt, president of Gift of Hope, said.

August is also National Minority Donor Awareness Month.