Desiré Huges performed CPR on 43-year-old Julie Maldonado after she was struck by a drunk driver, ultimately giving Maldonado’s family a chance to say their goodbyes before she passed away the next day.
In a touching display of love and community support, the memorial at Webb Lynn Road and Watson Road in Arlington stands as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the resilience of the human spirit.
Yarielis Vazquez, Maldonado’s daughter, described her mother as a powerful force, highlighting the impact Maldonado had on those around her.
As Maldonado’s boyfriend, Damien Espinoza, recounted the tragic events of that fateful night, he expressed his gratitude to the unknown nurse who provided critical CPR assistance to Maldonado in her time of need.
Desiré Huges, the nurse who selflessly intervened to help Maldonado, shared her experience of that night, recounting how she assessed Maldonado’s injuries and performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.
Despite the fear and uncertainty she felt in the moment, Huges’s actions kept Maldonado alive long enough for her family to find hope and closure in their final goodbyes.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of her actions, Huges expressed a mix of sorrow and pride, knowing that her efforts provided Maldonado’s loved ones with a precious moment of hope and connection.
As a gesture of solidarity and remembrance, Maldonado’s family has set up a GoFundMe to support services for her and will organize a memorial ride in her honor on Sept. 8.
Huges, who discovered a shared love for Hello Kitty with Maldonado, now feels a profound connection to the woman she helped save, becoming a part of the enduring love and memory that Maldonado’s family holds dear.