14-Year-Old Girl Undergoes 17-Hour Surgery to Amputate 174-lb Leg

A 17-hour surgery, a 174-pound leg, and a new beginning for a 14-year-old girl from Florida. Jasmine Ramirez is spending her Christmas in the hospital, recovering from a life-changing operation to amputate her left leg, which weighed more than 78 kg.

A Life-Saving Decision

The grueling surgery was a success, her sister, Anastashia Carrasquillo, announced. Doctors at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital worked for nearly 17 hours to perform the amputation. This followed a procedure earlier in the month where 90% of the massive tumor was removed. “My dad always told Jasmine if it came down to your life or your leg, we would choose your life,” Carrasquillo said. “So they took the chance and thank God that it went well.”

Now recovering in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jasmine faces a “long, rigorous” recovery but is surrounded by family. Her sister shared that she is already “getting stronger” and will not be sad this Christmas, thanks to the immense support from her loved ones.

A Lifelong Battle and Global Support

Jasmine was diagnosed with a rare lymphomatous tumor when she was just 2 years old. The tumor caused her left leg to grow abnormally over the years, leading to multiple surgeries. The decision for amputation came after a recent life-threatening infection made it too risky to leave the leg.

To help with the enormous costs of healing, physical therapy, and full-time care, the family has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser. At the time of writing, they have raised $33,000 of their $40,000 goal. The family also shares updates on her progress through a Facebook page called "Jasmine’s Journey."