A couple from Denver, Colorado, found themselves stranded in Copenhagen, Denmark, after the husband’s health quickly deteriorated.
With an expensive medevac as their only option for transport, the family is now asking the public for help.
What happened?
Guy and Adrian Matlock left on a two-week European cruise on September 14 to celebrate 37 years of marriage.
On the sixth day of their journey, Guy contracted the flu, which turned into pneumonia and led to sepsis, a serious condition in which the body destroys its own tissues and organs to combat infection.
Guy was confined in a Copenhagen hospital as his heart, lungs, and kidneys began to fail. He also experienced minor strokes, which affected his ability to remain conscious. Despite these challenges, daughter Moriah Matlock said that Guy is steadily recovering with a reduced reliance on dialysis and a ventilator.
The next big task is to get them home. “The doctors in Denmark have done a remarkable job to get Guy where he is now. The doctors are now recommending he come home where his brain can heal and have better stimulation with the English language,” she wrote five days ago.
The current condition
Due to Guy’s condition, an expensive medevac is the family’s only option; however, service providers require an upfront payment of over $150,000. The Matlocks have health and travel insurance, but the companies will only cover around $24,000.
Their son, Payne Matlock, appealed to the public, “This breaks my heart to even share this. If you know me or my parents, we do not ask for any handouts. We are a hardworking blue-collar family that tragedy has struck … donate if you can. If not, please share. Our family needs them home!!”
Additionally, their daughter has asked for recommendations on how to get Guy and Adrian home safely. “We are also looking for any advice or resources that anyone might have based on their own experiences,” she stated.
Asking for Help
The family’s GoFundMe campaign has raised over $78,000 so far. Those who wish to donate can visit this link.
Cases like Guy Matlock are rare. Nonetheless, it’s important to carefully review your travel insurance for medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
Travel insurance may cover emergency transfers, medical escorts, a bedside companion, and travel expenses so a family member or friend can visit you.
More generous policies could shoulder up to $500,000 in medical expenses and up to $1 million for evacuation.
