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Family Stranded in Italy After Medical Emergency
11 Jul
Summary
- Mom Kari Hess suffered a perforated bowel and septic shock.
- Family faced language barrier and poor cell service in Italy.
- The family regrets not purchasing travel insurance for emergencies.
A family from Fishers is currently stranded in Italy following a severe medical emergency experienced by Kari Hess during a European cruise. What began as a celebratory trip took a perilous turn when Kari, 46, developed a perforated bowel, leading to septic shock.
She required immediate hospitalization in an Italian hospital, where she was placed on life support and underwent two surgeries to combat the infection. Her husband, Brian, and their 16-year-old son, Layton, were with her, facing significant challenges due to a language barrier and unreliable cell service, which hindered their understanding of her critical condition.
Kari has since been released from the hospital but remains too weak to travel. The family anticipates a prolonged stay in Italy, potentially for several more weeks, as Kari continues her recovery. Brian Hess reflected on the ordeal, expressing a strong wish that they had purchased travel insurance to mitigate the extensive costs and complications of such an unforeseen medical crisis.
Despite the harrowing experience, the Hess family is primarily thankful for Kari's survival and recovery. They also acknowledge and appreciate the overwhelming support received from their friends and family back home, finding comfort in their solidarity during this exceptionally difficult time.
