Heath’s Hospitalization in Brazil

So, contrary to popular belief, it appears I’m not invincible, and those martial arts classes in elementary school were no use against the six guys who attacked me in Rio Friday night. Long story short, they attacked me from behind, and continued punching/kicking me while I was on the ground. After they took my iPhone (yes, the second one stolen since I’ve been in Brazil), I somehow managed to make it to me feet. I walked past the dozen or more people who silently watched it happen, and eventually I literally fell to my knees when I found the police. I pleaded with them for minutes to help me. They did nothing, so I got back to my feet and continued walking to my hotel. By the time I made it to my room, I could no longer walk. 

My right lung collapsed, and I was hospitalized with a chest tube.

The positive: the hospital in São Paulo has been amazing & the care has exceeded anything I’ve seen in the US.

The negative: my insurance doesn’t pay for anything. Once I recover, I’ll beat myself up for not having travel insurance, but for now, I NEED YOUR HELP! My medical bills are almost $6k, plus of course the cost of staying here longer (pretty much stuck in my hotel room) because I am medically restricted from flying.

It feels audacious to be asking for help from some *exotic* Brazilian vacation, but the truth is the vacation was a gift. Although surely there is never a good time to be attacked, it truly could not have come at a worse time for me financially.

If anyone can help, I would be forever grateful. If you could share my story, you have my thanks again.

Best,
Heath