Support Our Miracle Man

Dear Friends & Family. This is never easy, but certainly feels necessary. On January 11, 2022, Arlene “Bubaleni” & Arnie “Poppa” Frankel flew to Zambia, Africa to be with their daughter during the birth of their Grandchild. Just a few short days after landing, Arlene tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms & quickly recovered. Just a few short days later, Arnie then also tested positive. At first, his symptoms were like most that are vaccinated & boosted, until our family noticed that he was becoming very disoriented & short of breath. He was taken to a local ER at Medland Hospital in the capital city, Lusaka, Zambia. Medland is a private hospital offering specialized & comprehensive medical services that he requires.

 

On January 25th, during the ER intake evaluation, Arnie’s oxygen levels were down to 66% along with a severe pneumonia infection in both of his lungs. He was placed in the COVID-ICU unit of the hospital & put under critical watch with a high dose of oxygen assistance. Initial reports were that he would stay on this treatment for 10-14 days & as his breathing improved, the Doctors would reduce his oxygen. Unfortunately, after 10 days, they attempted a reduction of his oxygen intake & his levels only increased to around just 75% & still requires an oxygen mask. Not enough to move him out of the ICU just yet. It’s not a setback, just a slower recovery. The Doctors did however report that he has made a small improvement in his right lung infection.

 

During Arnie’s time in the ER since January 25th, his grandchild was born. She is healthy & eager to meet her Grandfather. The midwife brought him a photo of the new baby & he quickly responded, “She’s beautiful. I have to fight to get out of here and see her.” Our communication is extremely limited with him until he is healthy enough to move out of the ICU but we are receiving daily updates from the Doctors and will continue to do the same for all of you.

 

We ALL know Arnie is a fighter! This is why we are reaching out asking you to help join his fight. Every day that our “Miracle Man” sits in the ICU, the cost of his care rises. With no out of country medical coverage from insurance, the bills have begun to pile up quickly, currently standing at $14,440.00, putting our Family in a situation no one could prepare for. As you can imagine, this is a difficult ask, but we are kindly reaching out for your help with this fight as every single donation made will go directly to medical expenses accrued to ensure that Arnie continues to receive the best medical treatment he deserves to continue his fight to a full recovery.

 

Thank you for all your calls, messages, prayers, well wishes. support, and love. It is felt by us all the way in Zambia. #MiracleMan

 

Thank you again,

Arlene, Arnie, Jamie, & Amanda Frankel