A Massachusetts father of three is fighting for his life after a bug bite during a family sailing trip in Fiji led to a devastating medical emergency.
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Scott and Claire Winslow set sail across the South Pacific with their family in April for what they described as the "adventure of a lifetime."
However, just weeks into the journey, Scott noticed he had been bitten by a bug. From there, his condition rapidly deteriorated.
Dad Fighting for Life After Medical Emergency in Fiji
Scott's health worsened over the following two weeks while he remained at sea with his nephew.
By the time their vessel reached Fiji, he had become so weak that he could no longer walk.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a severe infection.
Scott was later transferred from a private hospital to the intensive care unit at Lautoka Hospital on Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island.
His wife, Claire, said doctors warned her to "prepare for the worst" as the family's dream vacation turned into a nightmare.
Scott remains in critical condition on a ventilator as he battles septic shock and multiple organ failure.
Family Faces Mounting Medical Costs
A GoFundMe campaign created to support the family has raised more than $24,000 toward its $40,000 goal.
According to the fundraiser, the infection has spread to Scott's gallbladder and lungs.
"While they remain hopeful and continue to pray for their father's recovery, they are also facing the overwhelming financial burden that comes with a catastrophic medical emergency overseas," the description says.
The fundraiser also explains that the Winslows did not have medical insurance to cover an overseas emergency. Expenses are now continuing "to grow rapidly."
The family's immediate hope is that Scott becomes stable enough to return to the United States. Where "he will likely require specialized medical transportation and ongoing care."
According to reports, a medical evacuation flight from Fiji to Boston could cost as much as $250,000.
In addition to the fundraiser, the Winslow family has applied for a U.S. government loan. This is to help cover the enormous cost of transporting Scott home. As well as paying his mounting overseas medical bills.
His family said it remains unclear exactly what caused the infection, and whether it stemmed from the bug bite, an infected wound, or another source.
