Support an Australian Woman's Recovery After Stroke On Plane

My name is Houda Hammam, and our family’s journey took a heartbreaking turn during what was meant to be a joyful trip to Lebanon. We were all excited to reconnect with loved ones and create lasting memories, but fate had other plans.

While flying to Dubai, the first leg of the journey, my mother, Hanan Hammam, suffered a sudden stroke. The plane had to make an emergency landing in India, and what started as anticipation quickly turned into panic and fear. My siblings are still reeling from the shock of that moment. The hours that followed were a blur as we rushed my mother to the hospital, not knowing what the future held. Thankfully, the authorities granted my family visas to enter India, allowing my dad to handle immigration while my sister accompanied our mum to the hospital.

The medical team was incredible, but the news was tough to hear. My mother’s condition was critical, and we faced heart-wrenching decisions about her care. We surrounded her with love and prayers, doing everything we could to support her.

She underwent emergency surgery to remove six blood clots from the right side of her brain and was placed in the ICU for two days. Unfortunately, her situation worsened, requiring an open skull surgery to alleviate swelling in her brain— a true matter of life and death. She remains in the ICU, and we’re anxiously waiting for signs of progress.

The following days tested our strength and resilience. We navigated a foreign healthcare system while grappling with the emotional toll of seeing our mother in such distress. Through it all, our family bond grew stronger, and we learned to cherish every moment we have together.

This experience has highlighted the importance of treasuring time with loved ones and being prepared for life’s unexpected turns. It has also shown us the incredible kindness of strangers and the dedication of medical professionals who go above and beyond to help those in need.

As my family continues to face this overwhelming situation, we are struggling with mounting medical expenses. I am reaching out in hopes that the generosity of others can help us through this difficult time. Thank you for any support you can offer.