A family in St. Petersburg, Florida, is preparing for what they describe as the most critical moment of their daughter’s life. Jasmine, 14, is scheduled to undergo a complex surgery on Thursday, December 11th, at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The procedure will involve the removal of her left leg and the large tumor that has grown from her waist into her abdomen.

Doctors have explained that the mass has begun to press against her organs and lungs, creating growing concerns for her long-term health. According to her medical team, the risk level is significant due to the size and spread of the tumor, her decreased response to antibiotics, and her current dependence on a morphine pump for comfort.

Jasmine was emotional when she first received the news, but her parents say she has shown a level of strength far beyond her years. Her mother, Liana, shared, “When they told her, she cried. We all did. But then she said she wanted to keep fighting. She told us, ‘If I have a chance to stay, I want to take it.’”

Her father, Marcus, added that the decision, although painful, reflects what the family has always believed. “We’ve had to face this possibility for years,” he said. “We always told her that if it ever came down to choosing between her leg and her life, we would choose her life. Now that moment is here, and she is meeting it with courage.”

Jasmine’s medical condition began when she was just 2 years old. A rare and aggressive disorder caused her left leg to grow disproportionately large, leading to chronic pain, repeated infections, and multiple hospital stays throughout her childhood. Specialists say that only one other similar case has been documented in the United States, making her treatment especially challenging.

The upcoming procedure aims to prevent further complications and give Jasmine a chance at a more stable future. Her doctors acknowledge the complexity of the surgery but believe it is the necessary step to protect her health.

Her family says that messages of encouragement have been one of the few things bringing comfort during this difficult time. Friends and supporters have been sharing notes, letters, and prayers, and the family has expressed gratitude for the support. “People’s kindness means more than they know,” her mother said. “It reminds us we’re not facing this alone.”

As Jasmine prepares for Thursday’s operation, her parents hope that her story will raise awareness of rare medical conditions and the emotional burden families carry while navigating them. They remain focused on the goal they have held since the beginning—giving their daughter the best possible chance at a long and healthy life.