Dear Friends and Family,

My name is Socorro (Koko) Carino and I am reaching out to you today on behalf of my boyfriend, Patdover Edmunds.

On September 10, 2024, Pat suffered a stroke while we were on a cruise. It was the most devastating and scariest moment of our lives. We were in the middle of the ocean and nowhere near the hospital. I called 911 on the ship. They brought him to the medical clinic on the cruise and the doctor assisted him. The nearest port was 14 hours away. The doctor suggested to airlift Pat to the nearest hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida which would cost $20,000 since we did not have travel insurance and Pat’s Veteran’s insurance was not accepted in a foreign location.

When we docked at Costa Maya, an ambulance was waiting for Pat. They took him to the nearest clinic for testing, but the clinic did not have a CT Scan. The doctor suggested to transport Pat in an ambulance to the nearest hospital which is in Cancun and would have cost $6,000. Since we did not have travel insurance and time was running out, we decided to take a Taxi to Cancun - 5 hrs. drive – cost $400 to take the next flight out from Cancun to LAX. This was definitely a terrifying ordeal.

When we arrived in Los Angeles at midnight on September 11th, I drove him to the Veteran’s hospital in Long Beach where he was admitted to the hospital. His MRI result confirmed he did have a stroke. He has a blood clot in his brain that his doctors are trying to dissolve with medications. Pat is still undergoing care from his doctors and we pray for his full recovery.

In the meantime, we received the medical bill from the cruise. We are asking for your support and perhaps consider donating to help us cover the medical expenses incurred .

Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us, and we deeply appreciate any assistance you can provide. Please keep Pat in your prayers.

Thank you for your compassion and support.