My older brother, Jaime Basurto, underwent surgery on 10/06/22 when he was diagnosed with a tumor on his bladder. The tumor was twice the size of his bladder and required it to be removed immediately. Unfortunately, when the surgeon removed the tumor, it was discovered that it was actually much larger than they previously thought, and they had to remove a portion of his bladder during the procedure. It was thought that the tumor was benign and all would be ok after the procedure. Jaime was unable to walk unassisted, he was unable to use the bathroom without a tube and required help with pretty much any normal function. This forced him to stop working and to focus on healing.

Taking a leave of work significantly affected him and his wife financially because like most public service employees, they rely on overtime hours to help pay the bills. Furthermore, his wife, Anna had to take leave-unpaid, to stay home with Jaime to assist him during the healing process.

Sadly, Jaime learned last week that pathologists determined the tumor was cancerous. The doctors have recommended that Jaime begin chemotherapy right away, and required him to take the next several months off from work as it will require all of his time, strength and effort. The radiation treatment would prevent him from performing all of the necessary tasks expected from a police officer.

Jaime and Anna have some of the biggest hearts you’ll ever meet. Not only do they work as public servants, they volunteered to have our mother live with them full-time. They have been the sole caregivers to our 83 year old mother who suffers from dementia and Parkinson’s disease for last 17 years. Every morning, before my brother leaves for work (4:30 AM), he prepares our mother’s food, he administers our mother’s daily medications and he makes sure she goes to all of her doctor’s appointments. Jaime and Anna do everything possible to make sure that our mother is as comfortable as possible.

My brother served about 18 years of his life as a police officer, negotiator and detective. My sister in-law also works in law enforcement and she serves as a Crime Scene Investigator technician.

My brother is passionate about providing service to others. From 1994 to 1996 he served a voluntary mission for his church in Bolivia La Paz and has made lifelong friends with the people he had an opportunity to help.

My brother loves serving people doesn’t just stop at law enforcement and his immediate family, because he started a non-profit organization for kids in Maui who come from economically challenged families in hopes that could provide them with additional career paths in the future – www.tautahiscuba.com. My brother is loved by so many people because is so giving and puts other people’s needs before his own.

Go Fund Me is definitely a last resort for families in need financially, as it should be. Families should exhaust all options and resources before Jaime and Anna have certainly come to the juncture The bills have been piling up for he and his wife and they have focused on his recovery and have been unable to work. Any help is appreciated.