GoFundMe created for paralyzed Yuma man

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A GoFundMe has been created to help a Yuma man who has been paralyzed following his surgery two years ago.

According to the GoFundMe's organizer, Nicky Hurtado was involved in a serious crash back in 2002 that required surgery, and said he had lived with no issues for nearly 20 years.

However, in 2021, the organizer said there were complications from the original injury which began to resurface, and had to undergo another surgery in 2024 that was related to the 2002 crash.

Following that surgery, Hurtado experienced paralysis from the chest down and limited functions to his arms and hands, leading to another surgery in 2025, the organizer said.

As of now, Hurtado is currently receiving specialized care at Craig Hospital in Colorado as, according to the organizer, it is one of the "top five spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation hospitals in the world," and his days consist of seven to eight hours of intensive therapy.

This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and life-skills classes "designed to help him adapt to life with a spinal cord injury," the organizer said.

However, the organizer added, "While this care is critical and is truly a blessing, it has created a significant financial burden," saying Hurtado's family is traveling from Arizona to visit him.

According to the organizer, the GoFundMe was created to help cover medical costs, travel and lodging, lost income, and more for when Hurtado comes back to Yuma.

The GoFundMe has a goal of $1,300, with only $1,030 raised so far. If anyone would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.