A Colorado family is desperately seeking assistance to bring their father home after he fell seriously ill on a cruise and is now stranded in Denmark. Guy Matlock's health deteriorated rapidly during the trip, leading to a life-threatening infection and multiple organ failures. Despite recent improvements, his recovery will be long and arduous, and his family needs financial assistance to cover the exorbitant cost of a medevac flight.
A Colorado family's dream vacation turned into a nightmare when their beloved father, Guy Matlock, fell seriously ill during a 14-day northern European cruise. The Matlocks embarked on the adventure to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary but little did they know that their joy would soon turn into anguish.
On the sixth day of the cruise, Guy's health took a sudden turn for the worse. He was rushed to a hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he was diagnosed with influenza type A that had developed into pneumonia and sepsis. The infection wreaked havoc on his body, causing his lungs, heart, and kidneys to fail.
Colorado Family's Plea for Help: Getting Ill Dad Home After Cruise Nightmare
The Matlocks' world was shattered as they watched their once-vibrant father fight for his life in a foreign hospital. They learned that a medevac flight home was their only option due to Guy's critical condition, but the cost was staggering — over $150,000. Their main insurance would cover only $4,000, while traveler's insurance would cover an additional $20,000.
Guy's daughter, Moriah Matlock, launched a GoFundMe page to rally support for her father's recovery. She described his condition as improving, but still dire: "His heart has begun to recover from full cardiac arrest, his lungs have become stronger, the ventilator is only at 25%, and dialysis has been reduced to an intermittent need."
Colorado Family's Plea for Help: Getting Ill Dad Home After Cruise Nightmare
However, Guy's recovery will be a long and challenging journey. He has suffered mini strokes that have affected his ability to wake up fully. The doctors have recommended that he return home to continue his rehabilitation, where his brain can heal in a familiar environment.
The Matlocks are facing a daunting financial hurdle to bring Guy home. The medevac flight payment must be made upfront before a flight can be booked. They have raised over $32,000 through their GoFundMe efforts so far, but they are appealing for additional help, both monetary and non-monetary.
Colorado Family's Plea for Help: Getting Ill Dad Home After Cruise Nightmare
"We appreciate all the prayers and kind words that we have received through this hard time," Moriah said. "We are also looking for any advice or resources that anyone might have based on their own experiences."
The Matlocks are determined to bring Guy home and give him the best chance at recovery. They are grateful for the support they have received and are hopeful that their plea will reach compassionate hearts who can assist them in this time of need.
Colorado Family's Plea for Help: Getting Ill Dad Home After Cruise Nightmare
