A 13-year-old Las Cruces boy known to many in the community from the Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces downtown was airlifted to a burn center after a house fire last week, according to a fundraiser organized on his behalf.
(Courtesy photo / Garcia family via GoFundMe)
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Matthew Garcia suffered second-degree burns to roughly 18% to 20% of his body, including his face, chest and hands, after the April 27 fire, according to the GoFundMe campaign. He was transported to a burn center in Lubbock where he is expected to remain hospitalized for several weeks.
Matt is a familiar presence at the Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces, held downtown on Main Street. Frequent marketgoers may have browsed his booth, Matt’s Scraps. He and his siblings operate several booths that draw regular crowds, including Sugar Twins Cotton Candy, which Matt operates with his twin brother, Andrew, and a lemonade business — Francy Emilade — run by his sister, Emily. His participation in the market has made him recognizable to many residents who attend the weekly event.
The fundraiser states that the family is facing mounting medical expenses along with travel and lodging costs as they remain near Matt during his treatment.
As of Monday morning, the campaign had raised more than $22,000 toward a $26,000 goal.
Family updates indicate that Matt has undergone skin graft and was able to spend some time with his family Sunday in the hospital’s courtyard. The family says Matt faces a long recovery process that will include ongoing care after he leaves the hospital.
More information about the fundraiser can be found HERE.