Bring Mars Home- Emergency surgery in Mexico

On the last day of our first international trip (Saturday, 6/18), Mars (them/they) woke up with severe abdominal pain. When their symptoms continued to escalate, Mars’ sister Lisa rushed them to the hospital in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Mars was quickly diagnosed with an ovarian cyst the size of a fist that required emergency surgery to remove. They were given morphine for the pain, but it barely took the edge off. At this point, it was a waiting game for the OR, surgeon, and anesthesiologist to be available - too long, and the cyst could rupture or, due to its size, could twist and damage other organs.

Mars was finally taken into surgery at 5 pm that night. While the surgery was ultimately successful, the cyst had ruptured before it could be removed. In addition to finding internal bleeding, the surgeon discovered Mars’ appendix was also inflamed and needed to be removed.

Mars is currently (6/20) still recovering at BlueNet Hospital in Cabo San Lucas, MX. Although their sister-in-law, niece, and I couldn't rebook our flights and needed to return to the US, luckily their sister Lisa has been able to stay with them in Cabo.

We had hoped Mars would be discharged and cleared to fly home tomorrow to continue to recover. However, they have not been able to eat, and the surgical drains are still removing too much fluid to be removed. Until they meet this criterion, the risk of infection or other complications is just too high for Mars to be discharged safely for aftercare and recovery in the US.

Having been diagnosed as a child with cystic fibrosis, a chronic genetic disorder affecting the lungs, unfortunately, Mars is not new to surgery or hospital stays. However, between the pain, urgency, costs, and being so far away from family and home, this week has been unlike anything they have ever experienced before, and they need our help.

Medical insurance won’t cover any of the costs performed out of the country, and travel back to the States wasn't safe. Mars’ sister split the current 22,000 USD medical expenses over multiple credit cards to ensure Mars could get the care they desperately needed.

Mars is an artist, a sibling, an auntie, and a kind-hearted friend who truly needs your help. Donating to this Go Fund Me would help Mars to cover the daunting medical costs that have already piled up from the surgery and hospital stay. This will give Mars the critical time needed to recover and rehabilitate without the added stressors of finances looming over them.

Mars, the whole family, and I are forever grateful for anything contributed to this fund. If you can help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated! #bringmarshome