Erica Westgate’s Heart Attack

As most of you know, my mom, Erica, came to NZ on the 6th April 2023. After covid and all the border closures the only way we were able to see each other was over Facebook messenger videos and so a very long over due visit was finally planned when we were able.

For the first month everything was great until she suddenly had a heart attack while down in the South Island.

Due to the severity of the heart attack and the logistics of our location, she has required long distance road and helicopter transfers as well as extensive tests and a multiple day hospital stay.

Now they are talking about heart surgery.

Erica doesn’t qualify for NZ subsidised health care and due to previous health issues was unable to get travel insurance. This means that all bills will be required to be paid by us at an international rate. So far we are looking at approx $50k and that’s without the surgery looming.

This is a significant amount of money and given her living and earning in Thailand the exchange rate will have her, and us, paying this bill for years to come.

Most of you will know how proud she is but the stress involved with overthinking the payment is making her recovery slow and focussed on money rather than healing.

This is why, I have decided to set this up on her behalf.

We realise that the cost of living impacts everyone in different ways but we would be so appreciative of any donation you are able to make towards this fund.

Thanks so much!