Eighty-year-old Leonora Ramos welcomed her home Philippines with open arms.
Leonora Ramos, 80, fell and broke her hip while returning to her home Philippines. (Courtesy of Andrew Casey)
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” says his son-in-law Andrew Casey.
This of his life took on even more meaning after Leonora, known to many as Nora, was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer a few months before his departure.
Realizing that this would be the last chance to travel, and with the help of their doctor, the circle of relatives flew to Manila for a five-week visit.
Three weeks into the trip, she fell, broke her hip and had to undergo emergency surgery. The infections appeared soon after.
“A week ago we were in a better position, his major symptoms were great. She was in the process of being taken off the ventilator,” said her daughter, Beverly Ramos Casey. “Lately she’s had a tracheostomy and she’s being put on a mechanical ventilator. Lately, we’ve been looking for a few days for a solid opportunity where we can fly in and bring it home.
Arrangements were made to land in Montreal before continuing on to Halifax. However, there were no beds in Montreal.
“I must have gotten tired of knowing that our flights had to be released on Sunday because we thought we were going to get on a plane and then find it because there was no hospital that wanted to bring her,” Beverly says.
On Thursday, they discovered a hospital that will be housed there. However, it will be tricky to get him to Halifax.
“This morning we just got some news. I’ve been up since 3 a. m. “This morning, I’m having all those conversations, but the ICU here at QE2 in Halifax has discovered a bed,” Casey says. “All they want is a 24-hour notice. “
So the plan is to send Leonora back to Montreal and then send a floor ambulance to Halifax.
Insurance covered medical expenses, but Casey says she’s been exhausted for a month. The flight and on-board care are going to be expensive.
Leonora Ramos (left) in the photo. (Courtesy of Andrew Casey)
A GoFundMe has been set up for donations.
“I’m trying to come to terms with the idea that this recovery is possibly not long-term and that it could also be near the end for her. I don’t think they deserve this to be their end. ” – Ramos Casey. saying.
Loenora’s leg was also dislocated when she was moved. Overall, Ramos Casey says the treatment he receives in Manila has been good, but the amenities and appliances used are not modern.
“When I say his leg is in traction, there’s a six-liter water bottle holding his leg in place, which has been hanging on the edge of the bed for a few weeks. You can believe how much I want her out of there and how much I wish she was home.
$17,000 has already been raised for Leonora to return to where she has lived for 50 years.