CHICAGO (AP) — One of two brothers in Chicago who suffer from a deadly liver disease has begun a hunger strike to draw attention to their inability to get treatment because of their illegal immigrant status.

Elfego and Lorenzo Arroyo suffer from primary amyloidosis (am-uh-loy-DOH'-sihs). Rush University Medical Center Dr. David Ansell says the disease makes the liver produce abnormal proteins that cause other organs to fail. The only cure is a transplant.

The Arroyos lack insurance, and family members say they've been denied care that could increase their chances of survival due to their immigration status.