Connect with us

Crime

Canadian Family Seeks Help to Bring Comatose Father, Home from Chiang Mai

Avatar of CTN News

Published

on

Bill Hughes and his daughter Jillian

Canadian Bill Hughes and his daughter Jillian

 

CHIANG MAI – The family of a retired Canadian firefighter has launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring him home from Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he is currently in a coma after contracting a rare blood virus.

During a vacation to Chiang Mai, the retired firefighter Bill Hughes was struck with a mosquito-borne illness called Japanese Encephalitis, a virus that — though most often prevented by vaccination — can result in inflammation of the brain for a small percentage of those infected.

Symptoms can range from headaches to high fever, disorientation, tremors, convulsions and coma.

In January, Hughes went into hospital in Chiang Mai and soon after went into a coma. His daughter Jillian has been by his side since then, Martin said.

A Go Fund Me campaign for Bill Hughes, a retired Edmonton firefighter who is in a coma after contracting Japanese Encephalitis in Thailand, has raised more than $20,000 in five days

A Go Fund Me campaign for Bill Hughes, a retired Edmonton firefighter who is in a coma after contracting Japanese Encephalitis in Thailand, has raised more than $20,000 in five days

.

The family created website at bringbillhome.ca, as well as a Go Fund Me page called “Bring Bill Home” in hopes of raising the $200,000 they were told it would cost to transport him home with Angel Flight, an Alberta-based organization that specializes in providing air travel for rural Albertans who need medical services.

“A note to thank all who have donated to date, to help evac my son (and) my granddaughter home safely is greatly appreciated,” reads a message on the site from Hughes’ mother Heather.

But Martin hopes he and his fellow firefighters can do more than just help with the costs.

“It’s a pretty powerful brotherhood,” he said, adding local crews have connected with provincial and federal groups to get the word out and are even working to get the International Association of Firefighters on board as well.

“Through our contacts as firefighters and medics, we’re trying to find other avenues for the Hughes family to make it more affordable,” he said.

So far, some have come forward offering their expertise and services to bring him home, potentially bringing down the cost. But a successful medical evacuation also depends on timing.

“If he’s not stable, they won’t package and send him. So it’s the waiting game and we’re kind of hoping and praying,” Martin said.

The online donations have topped $21,000 after just five days and Martin says silent auctions are being planned to increase that total.

He said Hughes’ propensity for running, biking and all-around adventure could help turn hope into reality.

“We’re just hoping with that kind of shape that’s he’s always been in it’s on the positive side,” he said.

Continue Reading

CTN News App

CTN News App

Recent News

BUY FC 24 COINS

compras monedas fc 24

Volunteering at Soi Dog

Find a Job

Jooble jobs

Free ibomma Movies