This is my sister, Mary Eckenroad Bowden—a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to many. What was meant to be a joyful family cruise turned into a life-changing tragedy when she lost her leg below the knee after a devastating fall in Cozumel, Mexico.

While shopping for souvenirs for her grandchildren, Mary tripped over a threshold entering a small store. She was rushed to a local hospital in Cozumel, but unfortunately, that facility wasn’t covered by her insurance. To make matters worse, the cruise line refused to let her reboard the ship.

We used credit cards to pay over $32,000 for a medical flight back to Florida, where she was immediately admitted to Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine and then transferred to UF Health Trauma Center in Jacksonville. After five surgeries over five weeks, doctors made the difficult decision to amputate her lower leg.

Mary is now in a rehabilitation center, learning to use a prosthetic and fighting to regain her independence. She’s trying to stay positive, but the financial toll is overwhelming.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the expenses:

• Medical flight: $32,000

• Hospital in Cozumel: $8,500

• Other medical and rehabilitation costs: Still mounting

Mary has spent her life helping others. Now she’s the one who needs help. Our goal is to raise $40,000 to ease the burden of her medical expenses and allow her to focus fully on healing and adapting to her new life.

Please consider donating—any amount helps. And if you’re unable to give, sharing this page would mean the world to us.

Thank you for your love, support, and kindness.