Grandmother Stranded in China Coma: Family Can't Afford Evacuation

A family reunion turned into a crisis for a 78-year-old British Columbia grandmother, Lilia Avoutova, who is now in a coma in a Kunming hospital. Avoutova, of mixed Chinese and Ukrainian heritage, arrived in China on March 4, but suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and stroke two days later, preventing her from reaching her birthplace in Xinjiang. Her daughter, Elena Lanteigne, reports that her mother has been in an induced coma since March 8, with communication with doctors proving extremely challenging due to language barriers.

The family is facing a significant financial burden, as they did not purchase travel medical insurance. Daily ICU costs in China amount to approximately $1,000, and the retired couple's savings are depleted. The most immediate concern is the cost of bringing Avoutova home, with an air ambulance estimated at $400,000, an unaffordable sum for the family. A less risky but still expensive option of commercial airline transport with a stretcher service is quoted at $108,800.

Doctors have advised waiting one to two months for the bleeding to reabsorb, making travel safer. While the situation is stressful, there has been a glimmer of hope: Avoutova briefly opened her eyes and moved her hand. The family has also been heartened by the community's response to an online fundraising page, which has raised over $16,000, showcasing the human spirit and a desire to help Avoutova return home to her four grandchildren.

Avoutova, fondly called 'babushka' by her grandchildren, is known for her friendly and compassionate nature. Her daughter emphasizes that Avoutova dedicated her life to caring for others and now the family is determined to find a way to bring her home. The overwhelming support from Canadians online has deeply touched Lanteigne, who initially felt awkward asking for help but is now amazed by the generosity shown.