A 33-year-vintage British mother is recovering in a hospital in Tenerife, Spain, after falling critically ill with meningitis following a family holiday. Jade Bird, a carer from Abergele, Wales, collapsed at Tenerife South Airport last Wednesday, March 18th, while preparing to return home with her boyfriend. The terrifying ordeal has prompted a desperate fundraising effort to cover the potentially exorbitant costs of medical evacuation and ongoing care, as her family navigates a challenging situation compounded by language barriers and insurance complexities.
Bird was rushed to a hospital in the north of Tenerife after airport staff noticed she was unable to communicate and was experiencing severe pain. Initial scans revealed an infection on her brain, which was subsequently diagnosed as meningitis, a serious inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Doctors placed her in an induced coma and connected her to a ventilator to support her breathing. The situation prompted immediate concern from her family, who quickly traveled to Spain to be by her side.
A Sudden Illness and a Race Against Time
Jade’s sister-in-law, Victoria Bird, described the harrowing events leading up to the diagnosis. “She flew out to Tenerife with her boyfriend for a holiday. While they were there, she was complaining of earache, then she started being sick,” Victoria explained. “When they got to the airport, she was unable to communicate and she was screaming in pain, so they took her to the hospital. When they got there, they did a CT scan and found she had an infection on her brain, so they transferred her to an ICU in the north of Tenerife, position her on a ventilator, and she’s been there ever since.”
The initial days were particularly fraught with uncertainty, as doctors worked to stabilize Jade and determine the full extent of the damage. Concerns arose regarding potential complications such as seizures, epilepsy, memory loss, and paralysis. “They then found out that it’s turned into meningitis, and she’s been quite heavily sedated the last two or three days,” Victoria shared. “We still don’t know the full extent of all this right now, until she wakes up completely.”
Signs of Recovery and a Mounting Financial Burden
In a recent update posted on a GoFundMe page established to help with expenses, the family shared encouraging news: Jade has begun to show signs of recovery and is “much more alert and aware of her surroundings.” While What we have is a significant step forward, she remains hospitalized and requires ongoing medical attention. Doctors plan to move her to a neurological ward for a comprehensive assessment and anticipate a continued course of intravenous antibiotics before she is deemed fit to travel.
Still, the family is facing a substantial financial hurdle. They were quoted approximately £46,000 (roughly $58,000 USD, as of March 22, 2024) for a medical evacuation to bring Jade back to the United Kingdom, despite having what they believe to be adequate travel insurance. The complexities of international healthcare and insurance claims are adding to the stress of the situation. “Myself and her mum flew out the following morning after we found [out],” Victoria said. “At some point, me and her mum are going to get to a stage where we can’t afford to stay here, but how do we go home? The communication just isn’t there – there’s a language barrier and we only get updates once a day. It’s not something we can even comprehend right now.”
Community Support and the Road Ahead
The family launched the GoFundMe campaign to alleviate the financial strain and secure Jade’s safe return home. As of Saturday, March 23rd, the fundraiser has raised over £12,000 (approximately $15,000 USD). The outpouring of support from friends, family, and strangers has been deeply appreciated. “It’s been really stressful. It’s been absolutely heartbreaking telling her daughter that she’s unable to see mummy because she’s in the hospital. We struggle every day and we just hope every day when we walk in to see her that she’s a bit more alert,” Victoria added.
The family acknowledges that a long road to recovery lies ahead, but they remain optimistic and grateful for the kindness they have received. “We’re overwhelmed with all the kindness. People have been so thoughtful and everybody has pulled together to raise money to get Jade home and we don’t think that any words will ever thank them enough,” they stated on the GoFundMe page.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infections and can lead to serious complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive information about meningitis, its causes, symptoms, and prevention.
The family is continuing to seek support and updates on Jade’s condition. They are preparing for her transfer to the neurological ward, where doctors will conduct further assessments to determine the extent of any long-term effects. The next step will be to work with medical professionals and insurance providers to arrange for her safe repatriation to the UK once she is stable enough to travel.
A link to the GoFundMe can be found here.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
If you have been affected by this story or are experiencing emotional distress, resources are available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Please share this story to help raise awareness and support for Jade and her family as they navigate this difficult time. Your thoughts and well wishes are greatly appreciated.
