Help Bring Mum Home: Support Her Recovery from Tahiti

Dear Friends and Family,

I want to share an update on Mum's journey, which has been incredibly challenging. It all started when Mum caught the flu in the first week of her cruise. Her condition quickly worsened, and she was transferred from the cruise ship to Moorea-Maiao Island because the ship's medical centre was overwhelmed with COVID-19 and flu patients.

At the clinic on Moorea-Maiao, Mum's condition continued to deteriorate, and it became clear that she needed more specialized care. She was then transferred to the main island of Tahiti, but even there, the Hospital was not equipped to handle her complex medical needs, hindered by language barriers.

Mum was transferred to the main island hospital in Papeete, where her health took a nosedive, and we feared for her life. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Mum's condition was critical, and all she wanted was to get back to Australia.

That was when we started looking for solutions to our predicament. One of the only options was an Air Ambulance which we got several quotes starting at half a million down to $185k.

Mum's condition improved slightly when Christine arrived in Tahiti several days later. Her love and some medication and vitamins that she brought with her from Australia got Mum to a condition where the medivac nurse was comfortable allowing her to fly from Tahiti back to Australia.

During her flight from Tahiti to Auckland, Mum's condition became life-threatening, and she almost didn't survive the journey. The situation was dire, but the medical team onboard, along with your prayers and support, helped stabilize her.

Unfortunately, the insurance company refused our claim, citing a pre-existing condition, which has added to the financial strain. We are facing substantial medical expenses, including a hospital bill of approximately $60,000, as well as other costs such as taxis, food, and accommodation.

Despite these challenges, your donations have been a lifeline, allowing us to secure Mum's spot on a commercial flight with Retrieval Medics International. They provided her with a nurse and additional oxygen for the journey. As a result, we have revised our fundraising target from $220,000 to $120,000 to reflect the reduced costs.

Currently, Mum is in Auckland, New Zealand, where she is receiving the care she urgently needs. Your continued support is crucial as we navigate this difficult time. Your donations, prayers, and well wishes have brought us hope and comfort during Mum's recovery.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your love, generosity, and compassion.

With deepest gratitude,

Butch, Christine, Ashleigh, Andrew, Matthew, Denis, Makarla, and Edward