Help us bring my mom home and support Frank’s recovery

Hi everyone,

I never imagined I’d be writing this. My heart is broken as I share that my beautiful mother, Jan, tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident while in Jamaica, a place she loved and has visited annually for decades. She fought, but her injuries were too severe. Now, I’m faced with the unimaginable task of bringing her home to Canada so she can be with her family and rest with the love and dignity she deserves.

At the same time, my stepdad, Frank, is fighting for his life in the hospital in Jamaica. His injuries are devastating—his arms and legs are broken, his skull is fractured, and he has swelling in his brain, among other serious complications. We have found out that their travel insurance expired, and the costs of medical care, transport, and arrangements are overwhelming.

I’m reaching out for help to bring my mom home and support Frank in his long road to recovery. If you can donate, share this, or send love and prayers, it means the world to me and my family.

If you feel more comfortable using e-transfer, please use melisahickson1 at gmail dot com

Thank you for your kindness and support during this impossible time. We miss our mom.

Update on Frank:

Frank underwent surgery yesterday to flush out gangrene in his arm. The procedure went well, and while he remains in critical condition, he is now stabilized.

There are some encouraging signs. His lungs are improving, and the pressure from his broken ribs is no longer affecting his internal organs. His brain is looking good so far, and he’s scheduled for a scan tomorrow to check for any additional bleeding. The fluid around his heart has either cleared or is continuing to improve — another step in the right direction.

The next major step will be facial surgery to repair multiple fractures. Surgeons will use mesh and braces to stabilize and reconstruct the affected areas.

After that, we’ll be working closely with the orthopedic team in Jamaica to plan treatment for his many fractures — including injuries to his arm, elbow, femur, knee, tibia, and fibula. We are also in touch with physicians in Canada to determine when and how he can safely return home to continue his recovery.

There’s still a long road ahead, and a lot remains uncertain, but we are doing everything we can to get him strong enough to come back to Canada.

Thank you all so much for your ongoing support, love, and prayers — it truly means the world to us.