Help Patrick Recover After Emergency Surgery Abroad

What was meant to be a trip of a lifetime quickly turned into something we could never have imagined. My husband Patrick and I landed in Dublin, Ireland on October 1st, excited to begin an unforgettable journey together. We started our trip in Waterford, planning to spend just a half day there before traveling on to Killarney, Galway, and finally returning to Dublin to fly home.

But on the early morning of October 2nd, everything changed. Patrick became suddenly and severely ill. He was rushed by ambulance to the emergency room in Waterford, where we learned that his appendix had ruptured. He underwent emergency surgery that same day and has been in the hospital recovering ever since.

We were supposed to fly home on October 8th, but Patrick is still here in Ireland under medical care until he’s well enough to travel. This unexpected medical emergency has turned what should have been a joyful adventure into an incredibly stressful and costly situation.

Unfortunately, we do not have travel insurance. Our U.S. health insurance requires us to meet a $10,000 deductible, and even after that, it only covers 50% of the remaining costs. On top of the medical bills, we’re facing additional expenses for extended lodging, transportation, meals, and travel changes as we navigate Patrick’s recovery far from home.

We’re setting up this fundraiser to help ease the financial burden so we can focus on what matters most — getting Patrick healthy and home.

Any amount, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference to us. If you’re not able to donate, sharing this page would mean the world.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

— Jessica & Patrick