A planned dream vacation to Hawaii for a Four Oaks family has transformed into a prolonged ordeal following a severe health crisis for the family’s patriarch.
Ellen Ennis Smith, the wife of PJ Smith, expressed her initial excitement, recalling her husband’s encouragement to make memories while they still could.
Originally set for April 9 to April 22, the trip has now extended for months, leaving the Smith family in an unforeseen situation.
Their dream vacation took a dire turn when PJ Smith contracted a fungal infection that led to him being placed on life support and falling into a coma.
While dining at a restaurant, PJ felt he could no longer breathe, prompting Ellen to rush him to urgent care, where his low oxygen levels became apparent.
It was here that medical professionals diagnosed him with a fungal infection, the origin of which remains a mystery.
“His immune system took a hit,” Ellen explained, referring to PJ’s organ transplant in 2016, which made it difficult for his body to fight off the infection that affected his lungs significantly.
As he received treatment, complications arose, including kidney failure that necessitated dialysis and subsequent secondary pneumonia that led to intubation.
Ellen recalled the harrowing moments spent at the hospital, stating, “It was very touch-and-go on life support. We had many nights that we thought this is the end.”
While PJ has shown improvement and is no longer on life support, his recovery remains fragile, preventing him from traveling back to North Carolina via commercial flight.
The Smith family’s plight has now turned to financial concerns as they navigate the costs of his medical transport.
“His personal insurance is not going to pay,” Ellen revealed, noting their multiple appeals for assistance.
The situation became urgent as the travel insurance company offered to cover only $50,000, while the necessary medical transport would cost around $140,000.
“This means that I’ve been asked to come up with $70,000 to $90,000 out of pocket, which I do not have,” Ellen lamented.
Attempts to seek help have extended to the Department of Veterans Affairs, given PJ’s military background; however, he has never applied for benefits before, which could delay assistance.
Friends and family have rallied together, including the creation of a GoFundMe campaign aimed at supporting the Smiths in bringing PJ home securely.
Local lawmakers are also involved, working alongside the family to ensure that PJ receives appropriate medical care upon their return.
“I need help getting my husband home,” Ellen emphasized, noting how the vacation, once filled with excitement, has turned into a painful memory.
“This great trip he planned, he has no memory of it. I don’t know if he’ll get that back. It changed this dream trip into something I really don’t care to remember again.”
image source from：wral
