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Stefan had been feeling awful for days: cough, (including coughing up blood), fever, and intense leg and back pain. As a precaution,he had been staying home in quarantine away from his wife, Merdina, and their 2 1/2 year old daughter, Kuleana, (my adorable niece) and Merdina's mom, Jan. They all live together in a rural area outside of Hilo, Hawaii, where they are working on getting a farm/garden established.
When he was not getting any better, he decided to go to Urgent Care. There, they oddly decided to test him for COVID-19 antibodies, not the actual virus. Not surprisingly, it came back negative. (It would be unlikely to see much antibodies to be produced this early if someone is still actively sick.) This is where the medical community failed him, and could have cost him his life: They told him to go home and take some Advil.
After another day of worsening, to the point where he had to crawl due to intense pain, with some insistence from family, he finally went to the ED.
Merdina had to pass him to a stranger, who wheeled him in. No visitors are allowed, across the board. After a relatively short diagnostic period, he was diagnosed with a tropical disease called leptospirosis. (I had to google it.)
This disease is FATAL if untreated. Stefan could have died. I hate to put that in print, but it's true. When he was admitted to the hospital, he was in kidney failure, and his liver was also compromised from the disease. And....if you know Stefan, for him to admit he's in pain is a big deal. He was in PAIN and couldn't walk.
Stefan is getting good care, and starting to improve. However, his length of stay in the hospital is likely to be at least 4-5 days. Alone.
Stefan has not been able to work for quite a while due to the COVID-19 situation. Dina is a SAHM. It's possible some of their bills will be covered by state insurance, but it's very likely they will have expenses left to pay.
Finances are hard for everyone right now. If you are not in a position to help, that's ok. Please send your thoughts and prayers. It helps when you are isolated to know people are thinking about you. If you ARE in a position to help, I know they will be grateful.
They are so thankful he is alive, and have grace for the mistake that was made. (I think I'm more angry than they are.) I hope everyone out there is staying safe and healthy. Appreciate every moment with your loved ones!!
With love,
Becca Gores (Stefan's sister-in-law)
When he was not getting any better, he decided to go to Urgent Care. There, they oddly decided to test him for COVID-19 antibodies, not the actual virus. Not surprisingly, it came back negative. (It would be unlikely to see much antibodies to be produced this early if someone is still actively sick.) This is where the medical community failed him, and could have cost him his life: They told him to go home and take some Advil.
After another day of worsening, to the point where he had to crawl due to intense pain, with some insistence from family, he finally went to the ED.
Merdina had to pass him to a stranger, who wheeled him in. No visitors are allowed, across the board. After a relatively short diagnostic period, he was diagnosed with a tropical disease called leptospirosis. (I had to google it.)
This disease is FATAL if untreated. Stefan could have died. I hate to put that in print, but it's true. When he was admitted to the hospital, he was in kidney failure, and his liver was also compromised from the disease. And....if you know Stefan, for him to admit he's in pain is a big deal. He was in PAIN and couldn't walk.
Stefan is getting good care, and starting to improve. However, his length of stay in the hospital is likely to be at least 4-5 days. Alone.
Stefan has not been able to work for quite a while due to the COVID-19 situation. Dina is a SAHM. It's possible some of their bills will be covered by state insurance, but it's very likely they will have expenses left to pay.
Finances are hard for everyone right now. If you are not in a position to help, that's ok. Please send your thoughts and prayers. It helps when you are isolated to know people are thinking about you. If you ARE in a position to help, I know they will be grateful.
They are so thankful he is alive, and have grace for the mistake that was made. (I think I'm more angry than they are.) I hope everyone out there is staying safe and healthy. Appreciate every moment with your loved ones!!
With love,
Becca Gores (Stefan's sister-in-law)
Organizer and beneficiary
Merdina Gores
Beneficiary