He suffered a heart attack on a flight and is trying to return for a transplant: ‘I can’t take much’

Diego was rescued at a hospital in the country, where he is still hospitalized more than a month after the incident. With his health worsening and him breathing with the help of machines, Dutch doctors informed the man on December 30 that he would need a heart transplant.

That’s when our world collapsed, we are in a country completely far from home, with no resources to return home, he can’t get on the transplant queue because he’s not a Dutch citizen and doesn’t have medical insurance. It’s becoming more and more difficult every day for us. Angelica Coelho

Diagnosis of heart failure was given while on vacation in Brazil. According to reports from family members, the Brazilian underwent tests during his stay in his country of origin after feeling some symptoms. The responsible doctor, however, would have recommended some medications and allowed him to return to Ireland.

Family tries to bring Diego to São Paulo

To carry out the procedure in Brazil, an air ICU is required, which can cost up to R$1 million. Diego’s partner said she turned to Itamaraty, but was informed that the Government cannot cover medical expenses, only provide consular assistance to the couple.