Support the Baldonado Family After Car Accident

Dear Family, Friends, and Good Samaritans,

We hope this message finds you well. If you know us, you are aware that our greater Baldonado family has been facing a few hardships over the past five years. We were all planning to gather for an overdue family reunion when we received unfortunate news. Though our reunion was postponed, we still made the trip to Las Cruces to spend a beautiful weekend with all three of us children together with our parents. This is something our parents, Johnny and Saundra, don’t get to experience often, as two of us, Rosemarie and Marissa, live and work out of state with conflicting schedules. Our time in Las Cruces was spent with loved ones — reconnecting with family and old friends and honoring those we've lost. We had a joyous time with everyone and thank God for the opportunity to make those memories, which we will always cherish.

Unfortunately, on the night of August 25th, just 15 minutes away from home, we were involved in a serious car accident when an unknown driver hit us and fled the scene. By the grace of God, none of us sustained severe injuries, but the challenges ahead are significant. Our car, one of our family’s main means of transportation, was totaled. This is a devastating blow, especially considering the precautions we took while driving — switching drivers, making stops, driving the speed limit, etc. Because of the sacrifices our parents have made for us over the years — supporting three children through Catholic school and higher education, attending every school event, working tirelessly, and ensuring we always had a ride — it is our turn to help advocate and support them.

Our father, Johnny, has worked diligently for over 25 years to provide for his family. At times, he even worked 2-3 jobs. If you know anything about Johnny, you know he will do anything for the people he loves. As his children, we can attest to that; even now, in his 50s, he works long nights and random hours to provide for our mother and Juan in Arizona. Due to his years of hard work and dedication to helping others, his body has worn down quicker than expected. Our father, unfortunately, suffers from pinched nerves, spinal spasms, and knee pain. We were planning for knee replacement surgery for him next spring, requiring him (and one of us or our mother as his caretaker) to take months off for recovery. As for our mother, Saundra, she has one of the kindest hearts of anyone. She has always put her family first and goes above and beyond to be selfless and help anyone in need, often sacrificing her own well-being. A vehicle is necessary for her, as she has the farthest commute to work, but more importantly, she is the person to call if her family ever needs help or a ride. Our mother has been through a lot in her life, and her spirit has never broken; she remains gracious and grateful always. Eight years ago, she was unfortunately involved in a similar car accident on the way home, making this traumatic event all too familiar. We are turning to our faith and therapy to help her overcome anxiety and any fears she suffers as a result of this accident.

Recently, our parents fulfilled a long-held dream of purchasing a home, making this setback even more difficult for them. With high expenses on the horizon — from replacing our vehicle to covering shattered phone costs and medical bills on top of everyday living expenses — we are humbly reaching out for your support. Juan recently finished school and is kickstarting his career with goals to start his own business in the near future. He has been saving for equipment for his practice and a car of his own. Though Rosemarie and Marissa live in the Midwest, we both work to provide for ourselves, pay off student loans, and pay for flights to visit home any chance we get. The three of us have always shared a common goal: to support ourselves as well as give back to our parents, who have given everything for us. We just didn’t think it would come this soon. This October, our parents will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, and while we, their children, had anticipated helping furnish and provide appliances for their home, we will be shifting gears to help out with this situation. If you are able, please consider helping us through this challenging time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference! Above all, we ask for your prayers for the entire Baldonado family as we navigate this difficult period.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. May God bless you and your family.

Rosemarie, Marissa, and Juan (and Pup)