On Thursday, July 16, 2026, 11-year-old Yende Jones-Merritt was in a very serious car accident in Barbados. Her mother and sister were also in the accident—thankfully, they are both doing okay and recovering. Yende, however, is currently in critical condition at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, receiving dialysis to help stabilize her while doctors work around the clock to keep her safe.

Her injuries are extensive—too many to list here—and the level of care she needs goes beyond what is available on the island. Fundación Valle del Lili Pediatric Hospital in Colombia has agreed to accept her, and she is scheduled to be airlifted there this Tuesday.

Yende has deep roots in St. Philip and St. Michael parishes. She is loved by so many across both communities, and we're asking everyone who knows her, her parents, or our extended family to come together for her right now.

As far as the family currently understands, Yende's health insurance is expected to cover a significant portion of the airlift and hospital costs, and her mother's employer has also generously offered to help. But the exact breakdown isn't yet known, and there will certainly be real costs beyond what insurance covers—we won't know the full excess amount until she is admitted in Colombia. Our early estimate, based on a U.S. hospital's initial quote of a $500,000 admission deposit plus an airlift starting at U.S. $50,000, gives us a sense of the scale of costs involved in this kind of emergency care, and we're using it as a guide for our fundraising goal.

Your gift today could be the reason Yende — and her family — get through this without an added financial burden on top of everything else.

WHY WE'RE ASKING FOR HELP:

Our family is doing everything we can, but a bill of this size, on this timeline, is beyond what we can raise on our own. Every hour matters right now. For full transparency: Yende's airlift and hospital costs are expected to be partially covered by health insurance, though the exact amount isn't yet confirmed, and there will certainly be additional funds required to support her care and recovery, and her family's ability to be with her as she recovers.

Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Any medical or airlift costs beyond what insurance covers

• Accommodation, transport, and incidentals for her mother, father, and sister while they are with her in Colombia

• Ongoing treatment and recovery support

For full transparency: Yende's airlift and hospital costs are expected to be partially covered by health insurance, though the exact amount isn't yet confirmed, and there will certainly be additional funds required to support her care and recovery, and her family's ability to be with her as she recovers. We are asking for urgent help from our community, friends, and anyone moved by Yende’s story. Any support you can offer is deeply appreciated and will make a real difference in her fight for recovery.

HOW FUNDS WILL BE MANAGED:

Since GoFundMe cannot send funds directly to a bank account in Barbados, I (Tiffini Swanston) am serving as the fundraiser organizer through my U.S. bank account. Funds raised here will be sent directly to the hospital and airlift providers wherever possible, with any remaining funds directed to the family for travel, lodging, and related costs. We're committed to using every dollar for Yende's care and will share updates as funds are used.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Donate — any amount helps us get closer to what she needs

• Share — please share this page with anyone who might be able to give

• Pray / send strength — for Yende and for our whole family right now

She is only 11 years old. She should be worrying about school and friends, not fighting for her life. With your help, we can get her to the care she needs as fast as possible.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will post updates here as we know more.

— Tiffini Swanston (cousin), Cherie Jones (mother), Harvey Merritt (father), Brandon Jones (brother), Xavi Jones (brother), and the rest of the Jones and Merritt / Merrick clan

LOCAL TO BARBADOS?

If you're in Barbados and able to donate blood in person, Yende's care team also has an urgent need at the Barbados National Blood Collection Centre in Bridgetown, Saint Michael. Financial support remains the most immediate way to help her get the specialized care she needs.