Help Don and Teri Access Vital Medical Care

Help Don and Teri Get Medical Care in Thailand

Hello Friends,

We are Don (86) and Teri (77) Murray, a senior couple living in a small fishing village next to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We are in need of medical care and are reaching out to ask for your support.

Our Story

We initially had Social Security healthcare here in Mexico, as we qualified as business owners and permanent residents. After three years, we found it unacceptable and are no longer insured.

We chose living here for a number of reasons, not the least being its affordability. Teri and I have a fixed income solely from the U.S. Social Security for $1700 a month. It was obvious that we would need some supplemental income to live so we started a small (440 sq. ft.} home cooked frozen food business,, We make U.S. and Canadian favorites, package and freeze them. We also deliver in a 20 mile radius.

Recent Challenges

The business has been a good one until last year. The 2024 “Season” here was dismal if not the worst in years. We know a few factors but the biggest was the Exchange Rate here from dollars to pesos. Within months it went from 20 pesos for a dollar to 16. A very big blow to many of our customers who are expats on fixed income. When a social security check came down it was 20,000p for 1000 dollars then quickly, down to 1600p!

In addition our health suffered with a serious bout with the Flu, or whatever it’s called, and laid me out flat for over 2 months, Teri slightly less. I lost 30 pounds and all of my strength and we are still recovering.

Our business took a big hit, on a small business scale, when we were hacked and are now 8 months later still sorting out our relationship with Facebook, We were unable to advertise in all that time. That has just now been resolved. This horrible year has drained us of any reserves, completely.

A New Opportunity

A close friend who just retired this year and began looking for a place outside the U.S. to plant himself, decided after searching the World to choose Thailand. He rents in Chiang Mai and took advantage of health care available there. He was able to cure a painful and chronic back problem there in 3 months.

He, knowing of our needs, strongly suggested we check out the Care packages offered to expats and tourists at the Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai. He also offered to share his apartment there. We can live as affordably there as we do here and receive the medical treatment we desperately need.

Why We Need Your Help

We are turning to Go Fund Me to raise money for transportation and medical care in Thailand. We both have pressing needs that we believe can be ‘taken care of’ there’. This recent horrible rash with sores and swelling on my arms is in need of treatment and understanding, so it won’t return. We have a long list of serious ailments we will be addressing when there. Swelling in my abdomen and a recent tumor like bulge in my intestinal tract. These may need surgery. We both need glasses. Teri needs help with her bowls.

This is a good time for us to be away, so we are thinking of leaving Mexico the 2nd week of September and returning here the 2nd week of December. It would allow us time to replenish our inventory for the next “Season”. We believe going now to Chiang Mai could well add years to our lives.https://www.bangkokhospital-chiangmai.com/en/

Thai health care is among the most effective in the world according to an article in the Economist in its July 6th issue. We were very impressed with the looks and reviews of the Bangkok Hospital and its wide variety of services and departments and like the openness and use of alternative methods. We like their philosophy. There are many ‘natural’ methods also available in Chiang Mai.

Our Gratitude

Teri and I have always striven to be self-sufficient. Asking for help isn’t something we’re used to and it is with humility that we ask for your help now. We will continue to advertise our business for sale while we are away, hoping to find a buyer soon.

We will also email supporters with updates and medical services we use and the results and cost.

We deeply appreciate your consideration and any support you can provide.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Don and Teri Murray

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico