A Georgia grandmother, who fell seriously ill during a cruise to the Bahamas, has returned to the United States and is now in stable condition.
Loretta Cox found herself struggling to breathe during a cruise with her husband recently. As her condition worsened, she was placed on a ventilator onboard the ship and later transported to a hospital in the Dominican Republic.
By Tuesday, fluid had accumulated in her lungs, causing her to become severely ill. As a result, she had to undergo the placement of a ventilator for respiratory support. Unfortunately, this medical emergency occurred while she was in the Dominican Republic, where she was receiving treatment. The doctors attending to her in the Dominican Republic assured that they could maintain her stability. However, they were unable to accept her insurance and thus, she needed to arrange for a special medical flight to be transported back to the United States for further treatment.
The family contacted Channel 2 Action News to seek assistance in gathering donations for a medical flight back to the US. The cost of the flight amounts to approximately $28,000.
After the story was broadcasted on Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m., Cox’s other daughter, Aldes Brooks, shared that a remarkable amount of $18,000 was raised by family members, friends, and even strangers, in order to arrange a medical flight for Cox.
Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco reported on WSB Tonight Thursday night that Cox was flown to a hospital in Florida around 2 a.m. Friday.
Brooks contacted Channel 2 Action News on Friday morning to provide an update on Cox’s condition. He mentioned that Cox is making progress but is currently under heavy sedation and still reliant on a ventilator. However, he assured that Cox’s condition is stable.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the news stations, my family, and the community,” Brooks expressed. “Your selfless contributions and unwavering support during this time are truly inspiring and deeply appreciated. We are still accepting donations as we have a challenging journey ahead of us.”
The family is urging others to consider obtaining medical evacuation insurance before traveling abroad.
“Go ahead and make that purchase because this has been an emotional roller coaster,” encouraged Brooks.
Cox, a mother of six and grandmother of nine, has a busy family life.