On the evening of January 11th, our family’s lives were forever changed when Rob and Pau Stephens, along with Pau’s parents Jairo and Clarita, and her sister Anis, all 3 having come in from abroad to visit, were violently struck by a drunk driver traveling at extreme speeds. In an instant, what should have been an ordinary night became a devastating medical and emotional crisis. While Rob and Pau escaped with injuries and shock, Pau’s family suffered catastrophic harm. Anis sustained a broken hip. Clarita endured multiple broken ribs, lung and internal injuries, and several surgeries. Jairo suffered severe internal injuries and spent days in the ICU fighting for his life.

After days of intensive care, complications, and heartbreaking decisions, Jairo passed away when his injuries proved unsurvivable. The family is now grieving an unimaginable loss while continuing to hope and pray for Clarita’s recovery, which remains long and uncertain but shows good signs of progression and healing in this short timeframe so far. Throughout this ordeal, Rob and Pau have been by their loved ones’ sides, along with the support of their family, friends, and their community—navigating hospitals, surgeries, and trauma—while facing overwhelming medical bills for international travelers, travel and lodging costs to stay near the hospital, lost work, and the myriad various expenses and complexities that pile on during a situation such as this - including those outside of the US for the travelers. This fundraiser will help lift some of that crushing financial burden, so they can focus on healing, recovery, and honoring Jairo’s memory without the added weight of mounting expenses. Any support, prayer, or sharing of this effort means more than words can express.

As a family and group of friends and supporters, we humbly ask for all the care and attention we can raise during this incredibly difficult time. Donations of any size will help cover mounting medical bills, rehabilitation and ongoing care, transportation needs, and the many unexpected costs that come with such a sudden tragedy—while most importantly letting the family know you are here for them and expressing your love and concern. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this page and keeping Rob, Pau, Clarita, and their family in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness, generosity, and support mean everything as they begin the long road toward healing and recovery. Thank You.