Hello to all you kind people of the internet. My name is Kevin Gaffield. I’ve come here to ask for help for someone truly special: a very dear friend of mine, Jazmin Baltazar… a dear friend to anyone who has met her, I imagine.
Not long ago, Jazmin suffered an unimaginable loss: the passing of her younger brother, who had special needs. He was her heart. His death from complications devastated her entire family—especially Jazmin, who had been his constant caregiver, advocate, and fierce protector.
Soon after, Jazmin’s own health began to decline. Her bright, infectious, bubbly spirit dimmed. She started limping—everywhere, all the time. This wasn’t just a passing ache or a pulled muscle—it was serious. And it was only getting worse.
Through the pain, Jazmin kept showing up: as a full-time worker, a devoted mother of two (her son just graduated from high school, and her daughter is in college, determined to become an attorney), a caring wife, and the daughter of an elderly mother she also helps care for. She has always taken pride in her ability to support and nurture those around her. But eventually, the pain became overwhelming—and it began taking its toll.
After tests and long waits, Jazmin’s doctor gave her the news. The diagnosis: a crushing blow. One she will live with and have to manage, for there is no cure. Faced with her new reality and its effects, she then learned she would need a hip replacement.
Her insurance denied coverage for the surgery because she hadn’t yet reached the age requirement. So Jazmin and her husband—determined to get her the help she needed—paid for the procedure out of pocket, using credit cards, loans, and every bit of savings they could scrape together. They even had to travel out of the country to afford it. The surgery was a success, and her healing is going well.
And just as she began to see the light at the end of the tunnel… her doctor told her: “Jazmin, you’ll need the other hip replaced, too.” That second surgery is scheduled for just a few short weeks from now. This time, she’ll be staying in the country—and thankfully, her insurance will be covering the procedure.
But the financial weight of the first surgery still hangs heavy. Jazmin and her family are burdened with medical debt, credit card balances, and travel expenses—on top of the everyday costs of living, working, and caring for their family.
This fundraiser is to help relieve that burden. The surgeon can help her walk more freely. We can help her live more freely.
Your support will help:
◦ Pay off credit cards and loans used to fund the first surgery
◦ Cover remaining medical expenses and recovery costs
◦ Provide relief from the financial stress this journey has created
Jazmin never asks for help. She would never let anyone know she’s in need. She’s always been the one helping others. But right now, she needs us.
Please consider donating—or sharing this with others who might be able to help. Every bit of support brings Jazmin one step closer to walking freely again—with both hips healed, and her bright smile shining without pain behind it.
Thank you so much for reading—and for caring.
