Burlington Teen Recovering From Heart Transplant

BURLINGTON, N.C. -- The famous Panthers phrase, "Keep Pounding," has a whole new meaning for a special teenager from Burlington.

Family, friends, and doctors are praying for 13-year-old Albert Jeffries, also known as Al-J, as he continues his recovery from a heart transplant.

According to Al-J's mom, Tina Turner, Al-J hit a bump in the road on Friday, but doctors are optimistic.

Turner says her son's new heart is pounding beautifully and his kidneys are doing better than expected.

However, Al-J has had bleeding issues from his bowels.

"Pray for Al-J... Can't explain now. Just pray please," Turner wrote on Al-J's Facebook support page.

As of Friday, Al-J had been in the hospital for 108 days. While the family couldn't be more excited for every single heartbeat, recovery can be a long, difficult process.

Luckily, Al-J's family has support from their community to keep them strong.

"I just kind of asked for people to give a little bit and we got a lot more than we expected," Burlington Police Officer, Dana Mitchell said.

After hearing about Al-J's story on the news, Officer Mitchell decided to take action.

"I just kind of asked if people wanted to donate some money to get him a new outfit or something like that," Mitchell explained.

His fellow officers were eager to join in. Together, they raised enough money to get Al-J a new outfit, video games and even a bike!

"I can't wait for him to get home and get better," Mitchell said. "To see him ride his bike."

Al-J continues to recover at UNC hospital. A date for Al-J's return home is still up in the air.