Hope lives on. Support a bone marrow transplant survivor!

May 28, 2025

Gavin’s Journey: 2 Years After His Life-Saving Transplant

Two years ago, 5-year-old Gavin Garza received a bone marrow transplant from his little brother, Greyson—his perfect match. That transplant saved his life, but the road since has been long and difficult.

Gavin continues to face the challenges of long-term survivor care: frequent doctor visits, lab work, medications, and homeschool due to his fragile immune system. Though we raised over $12,000 two years ago, most of it went to deductibles and co-pays. The cost of continued care can easily exceed $100,000 and, in some cases, even $500,000.

In the midst of this journey, we’ve been lifted by the love of family and friends, especially Kelli Gastineau Rausch, who recently lost her father, Ernest Cordell Gastineau (Big Ern). As she honors his legacy, she has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support Gavin’s ongoing care: (from Kelli):

“My dad believed in strength, faith, and helping others. Supporting Gavin is the kind of kindness he would stand behind. As we navigate this difficult time, people have asked how they can honor my dad's memory. Reflecting on his values, I believe he would want us to support those who embody courage and resilience, like our family-friend Gavin. Let's rally around him and inspire hope! In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his cause for Gavin Garza."

Please consider donating to Gavin in memory of Big Ern:

GoFundMe - #GavinStrong

Thank you for continuing to stand with Gavin and our family.

— Amanda Martinez & the Garza Family

#GavinStrong #InMemoryOfBigErn #HopeHeals

March 26, 2025

From Matt and Chelsey:

Thank you all for continued prayers over our Gavin and entire family. Our warrior is doing well continuing to fight every day with a smile on his face. His bone marrow has remained stable, praise God. We continue to strive to take steps forward and not allow the fear of tomorrow to define our today. I have come to the fullest agreement that life rarely offers second chances, but when it does, we have to embrace it fully. Stepping forward with courage, hope, and gratitude has been overwhelming to say the least but we know God has made a way.

Gavin's second chance is not just a gift; it’s his calling in the arms of Jesus. It's the promise that his story isn’t over, that the cross was not the end, but the beginning of new life. A second chance after a bone marrow transplant is nothing short of a miracle. It’s a testament of faith, strength, as well as the love that surrounds you. This new beginning isn’t just physical, it’s spiritual. You've faced the valley and continue to stare into uncertainty but choose to emerge with a story etched in resilience. Life after transplant is not just about survival it's about finding your greater purpose.

We have learned that every breath we take now carries deeper meaning, every sunrise a gentle reminder that you were chosen to continue this life.

I hope we all can learn to cherish every moment through witnessing our little boys fight and the miracle that lives in him. We know that his life, his second chance is a light to others still in the storm. Thank you all for being on this journey with us but most importantly thank you for PRAYING

August 2022

From Amanda Martinez

Help our warrior, Gavin, fight this battle………………….bone marrow transplant is needed.

Just three weeks ago, he was on the farm helping feed the cattle and horses; he was running, jumping, and playing in the hay. He was supposed to start kindergarten next week. Two days ago, he was Medivac airlifted from El Paso to Houston.

My name is Amanda Martinez, and I am Gavin’s Aunt. Matt Garza is my brother and Gavin’s father. Matt and his wife, Chelsey, have three beautiful children, Gianna (6), Gavin (5), and Greyson (2). Chelsey and Matt describe Gavin as an intelligent son, thoughtful brother and best friend to his siblings. He is quick-witted and gives the family a daily dose of knock-knock jokes. He loves playing tee ball and riding his John Deere tractor. And we all know, “if it ain't a John Deere, it ain't nothin.” He sleeps with a small stuffed horsey, one of the few things he can keep in the hospital. He is planning to dress up as Batman for Halloween.

Two weeks ago, Gavin woke up with some abnormal bruising all over his body. After multiple trips to the ER, several blood transfusions, lots of blood tests, and a few too many needle sticks, we learned that he has a rare blood disorder that requires a bone marrow transplant.

The current challenge is building and protecting Gavin’s immune system. He constantly fights off fevers and is quarantined to prevent unnecessary exposure. We are eternally grateful for the guidance and professionalism the medical staff at El Paso Children’s Hospital and Texas Children’s hospital has given them.

Many of our friends and family have reached out to help, but because of the distance, travel and risk of exposure, we are all limited in how we can help. I need to do something.

Matt and Chelsey are hyper-focused on their baby boy’s life, which is why I am writing this. Their family is currently divided, with the grandparents taking care of the two little ones in Las Cruces, NM, while Matt and Chelsey are in Houston. Their goal is to unite their family in Houston, so Gianna and Greyson can begin the testing process as they have the highest chance of being a match for a bone marrow transplant.

Your positive thoughts and prayers are truly felt and greatly appreciated. Our family has set up this GoFundMe to help with the costs of Medivac transport, travel, living expenses, hospital stays, diagnostics, and treatments that insurance may not cover. Any gift or donation of any amount would truly be appreciated.

We continue to pray and rely on our faith in God.