Norwood family fundraising for treatment

Andrew Wasil has returned to Massachusetts, but his family is still seeking help to get him life-saving medical treatment.

Wasil went to a wedding in Mumbai, India, in February to serve as the best man for his brother Stephen Wasil, and his now-wife is from that part of the country. About 15 members of the family went to the country, and are all doing fine.

While the wedding went off without a hitch, Andrew suddenly contracted a serious disease. Despite treatment from the local medical facilities there, he went into septic shock and suffered multiple complications in several of his organs. He was in the intensive care unit for more than six weeks, and the doctors had to amputate both his legs below the knees to save his life.

Since then, Wasil’s family has been fighting to bring him to Massachusetts where he can receive proper treatment. Linda Wasil, Andrew’s aunt, said just the cost of medical evacuation had been astronomical, and ever-changing in the current political climate.

“They were getting quotes of up to $400,000, and they have to pay in advance,” she said. “This really also highlights the need for travel insurance, with, I guess, evacuation coverage? No one in their wildest nightmare could have predicted this tragedy. They had to amputate my nephew’s legs. He almost died several times.”

Linda Wasil said they had to deal with fluctuating gas and jet fuel prices throughout, but said Wasil is now in Massachusetts and receiving care. So one hurdle has been vaulted, but Andrew is still in dire need.

“The cost for just the air transport from India is $248,000 and had to be paid upfront, and this was for transport, not even medical care,” she said. “Andrew arrived at Brigham and Women's hospital yesterday and is in the ICU. He is facing an extremely long and expensive road to recovery. Right now he is on dialysis awaiting more testing. Andrew truly is at the starting line of his own marathon to recovery.”

Throughout the process, the family had trouble getting Andrew out of India, as the war with Iran and the resulting blockade(s) of the Strait of Hormuz has caused a price shock in the international oil markets – https://gvimes.link/hormuzshock – not to mention the issues around air travel anywhere near the Middle East at the time – https://gvimes.link/flightsiran

“I mean that adds another thing you would never even think could happen,” she said.

Linda said Andrew’s mother just returned from India after staying with Andrew for two months. Linda said her brother, Andrew’s father, is currently unable to leave the state and so she has taken up the torch for her nephew. She said it’s been a harrowing journey.

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“This is really pushing me out of my comfort zone, but I’m doing it for my family and my brother,” she said. “I’m just pushing myself and calling, because maybe somebody will have a contact who can help.”

Linda Wasil said she wants to build awareness as well to try help make sure no one else has to go through this.

“This is, especially with the crisis in healthcare in this country, I mean, it’s out of control,” she said.

To donate to the family, go to https://gvimes.link/wasil