URGENT UPDATE: In a groundbreaking surgical procedure, doctors at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, successfully amputated Jasmine Ramirez’s left leg, which weighed an astonishing 174 pounds. This unprecedented operation, lasting 17 hours, marks a significant turning point in the 15-year-old’s life, as she battled a rare medical condition that left her legs severely disproportionate.
Doctors revealed that Jasmine’s condition was so uncommon it had no formal name, referring to the abnormal growth as a lymphomatous tumor instead. The teen’s family had noticed the abnormal growth when Jasmine was just two years old, leading to years of challenges and adjustments.
“Her legs were pretty normal up until she turned two,” said Anastashia Carrasquillo, Jasmine’s older sister. “My parents started realizing that her left leg was kind of growing a bit more larger than the other.”
The urgency of the situation escalated as an infection threatened Jasmine’s life. Her father, Manuel Ramirez, emphasized the difficult choice the family had to make. “If it came down to your life or your leg, we would choose your life,” he stated, reflecting on the decision to proceed with the amputation.
The family faced numerous challenges due to Jasmine’s condition. Carrasquillo noted, “We had to tailor and alter clothes for her. Shoes were a constant issue; we had to get two different pairs of shoes.”
Now, as Jasmine begins her recovery, she is “coming to terms” with her new reality, according to her sister. The family is overwhelmed with gratitude for the support and prayers they received throughout this challenging journey.
“We just want people to know how strong Jasmine is and how courageous she is,” Carrasquillo said, highlighting the resilience of her sister. “She’s a sweet girl… she didn’t deserve this. No kid ever deserves this, but she has challenges and she has pushed through.”
The news of Jasmine’s surgery has captured widespread attention, and the family is eager to share her story of strength and perseverance. As Jasmine continues to recover, her family hopes that her journey will inspire others facing similar battles.
As this story develops, Jasmine’s family encourages everyone to follow her progress and share her remarkable journey of courage and resilience.
