My name is Justin, and I'm fundraising for my grandparents Don and Linde Turner, who are going through an unexpected and difficult situation.
After a successful season of sailing through the Sea of Cortés in Mexico, my grandpa was partway through preparing his sailboat for summer storage when he fell down from a ladder on Friday, March 13--landing hard on his back. He was transported via ambulance to a local hospital in Guaymas, Mexico, where the orthopedic surgeon diagnosed him with fractures to his lumbar vertebra L1, as well as to his left heel (treated with a lower leg & ankle cast). The spinal fracture is slated for surgical treatment on March 25, shortly after which he will be discharged to a local hotel until it is safe to return to Canada.
The surgery and medical care must be paid upfront, and the costs are high. While the care has been good, the reality of receiving medical treatment abroad has been overwhelming.
Grandma Linde has been at Grandpa Don's side during every step of his injury and hospitalization. Grandpa has been on bedrest since the injury. Both he and my grandma's spirits are surprisingly positive despite the circumstances. However, they have a long road of recovery ahead, along with several costs that aren't covered by the British Columbia provincial health plan, nor by my grandpa's very modest travel insurance plan. Some non-covered costs while they are in Mexico may include:
- Hotel accommodation for likely at least 4 weeks
- Rebooking of flights to return to Canada once Grandpa is cleared for travel
- Transportation costs for my grandma within Guaymas during my grandpa's hospitalization
- Extra meal costs
- Fees associated with finishing up placing the sailboat into storage
- Homecare costs not encompassed under "nursing care by a Nurse"
- Medical supplies, prescriptions, and equipment not included within Grandpa's insurance plan
- Extra credit card fees due to needing to pay upfront for services, then request reimbursement from insurance
- Future official translation of medical documents from Spanish to English for insurance reimbursement
Our immediate family is on the smaller side, but I know there are many of you out there who love (Grandma) Linde and (Grandpa) Don as much as we do. Any support you can provide would be most appreciated.
With gratitude and love,
Justin (grandson)
Some more info about my grandparents, shared by two of their friends:
Don and Linde are two of the kindest, most adventurous people you could ever meet. In their 80s, they continue to live life fully, spending winters sailing and embracing every moment with humour, resilience, and heart.
Linde's Role
Through all of this, Linde has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has:
- Coordinated medical care in a foreign system
- Managed logistics between the hospital, hotel, and marina
- Maintained their sailboat with guidance from Don
- Navigated financial and insurance challenges
- Continued to support Don every step of the way
All while staying strong and positive, even finding moments to shine.
A Note About Don
Even in the middle of all this, Don's humour has not disappeared. From coaching boat maintenance over the phone from his hospital bed to being encouraged by a visiting nun to improve his Spanish (with chocolate penalties), he continues to face this challenge with strength and spirit.
UPDATE NOTE ADDED APRIL 23
Thank you all for your donations. My grandparents are safely back in Canada recovering at home. A more personalized update message was conveyed to all donors yesterday.
Organizer
