Summary

My brother Stefano suffered a severe brain injury in Perth, Australia, and spent weeks in intensive care and neurological recovery.

Thanks to incredible doctors and his own determination, he’s now back in Italy and slowly rebuilding his life.

Unfortunately, as a non-Medicare patient, he’s been billed over 230,000 AUD (≈140,000 EUR) for his hospital care.

I’m reopening this fundraiser to help cover those medical costs. Every donation helps us give Stefano the future he’s fighting for.

Even one share can make a huge difference.

If you can’t donate, please share Stefano’s story, even the smallest gesture can help us move forward. Hope grows with every person who joins us. ❤️

If you’d like to understand more about what happened and how we got here, I’ve shared the full story below.

The full story

My name is Francesca, and I’m writing this with a heavy heart.

My brother Stefano had been living in Perth, Australia for almost a year, chasing his dream and enjoying what he described as the best time of his life.

Sadly, on August 10th, everything changed. While he was on his way home, Stefano had a serious accident. He fell from an outdoor staircase, about four meters high, and remained on the ground for over an hour before being found and taken to hospital.

He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery. He spent over a week in intensive care and several more in the neurological trauma ward, fighting every single day. Those were the longest, most painful days of our lives.

As soon as we got the news, my mother and I flew from Italy to be with him.

We met extraordinary doctors and nurses who cared for him with dedication, and kind people who supported us through the hardest weeks.

Against all odds, Stefano began showing signs of recovery soon after waking up. His strength and determination have amazed everyone, including his medical team.

On October 7th, he finally landed in Italy, where he is continuing rehabilitation surrounded by family and friends.

The new challenge

While our focus was entirely on helping Stefano heal, another difficult reality unfolded.

Because he was no longer covered by Medicare (Australia’s public health system for citizens and short-term visitors), and his private insurance didn’t extend to this kind of emergency, the hospital costs are not covered.

Royal Perth Hospital has been transparent and respectful throughout, but the rules are strict: as a non-Medicare-eligible patient, all expenses related to Stefano’s care are billed directly to him.

The total amount of treatment is estimated to be around 230,000 AUD (approximately 140,000 EUR), covering surgery, intensive care, scans, specialist visits, equipment, and hospital stay.

Over the past weeks, we received mixed updates about whether part of the costs could be waived or reduced. Unfortunately, it is now confirmed that the balance remains payable.

This back-and-forth added to an already overwhelming emotional and financial situation, but we deeply respect the hospital staff for the care they gave Stefano when he needed it most.

Why I’m reopening this fundraiser

When I first created this page, it was to bring Stefano home to Italy.

At that time, the goal reflected the potential cost of the medical flight, around 59,000 euros.

Later, when we were told that the transfer might be covered, I paused the fundraiser immediately, because I didn’t want to keep asking for help unless it was truly needed.

That decision stopped donations, but it felt like the most honest thing to do.

Now that the situation is clear, and that we’re facing this large medical bill, I’m reopening the fundraiser with full transparency and hope that those who supported us before, and those who are hearing our story for the first time, might help us once more.

How your donation will help

Your support will go directly towards:

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.

This journey has shown us how fragile life can be, and how powerful kindness is.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and standing by Stefano on his road to recovery.

With gratitude,

Francesca Amila