A mother-of-three from Newport is fighting for her life in an Egyptian hospital after falling seriously ill while on holiday. Kiaya Parsons, 34, from Liswerry, was diagnosed with pancreatitis and later developed sepsis, a pancreatic cyst, and necrotizing pancreatitis. Her family says she has just a 10% chance of survival unless she can be flown back to the UK for specialist treatment.
Desperate Plea for Help
Kiaya travelled to Hurghada, Egypt, at the start of June with her partner, her two daughters aged 18 and 17, and her 13-year-old son. The day before they were due to return home, she suddenly fell ill. She was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with pancreatitis. While there, her condition deteriorated, and she contracted sepsis. She is now in intensive care with necrotizing pancreatitis, a severe complication where parts of the pancreas and surrounding tissues die due to inflammation or lack of blood flow, according to the NHS website, which describes it as a life-threatening medical emergency.
Her cousin, Matthew Neale, 37, said: “While in hospital, Kiaya contracted sepsis. She has been left in intensive care, in critical condition, now with sepsis, a pancreatic cyst, and necrotizing pancreatitis.”
Advanced Treatment Only Available in UK
The family believes that the treatment options available in the UK are far more advanced than those in Egypt. Kiaya can only receive the life-saving surgery she needs if she returns home. However, the cost of an air ambulance is £50,000, and her travel insurance will not cover it because her symptoms were deemed pre-existing. Before travelling, Kiaya had seen a doctor for symptoms of pancreatitis and was given the all-clear to go on holiday.
Kiaya’s daughter, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “Kiaya was on holiday in Hurghada, Egypt, when she became hospitalised with pancreatitis. They started treatment but it became worse. She now has sepsis, necrotizing pancreatitis, and has a cyst on her pancreas. She is currently stuck in the ICU here in Egypt with a 10% chance of survival unless she gets back to the UK.”
Fundraiser Launched to Bring Her Home
Kiaya’s daughter has set up a fundraiser to raise the £50,000 needed for the air ambulance. The family is desperate, fearing Kiaya will die if she cannot get back to the UK for surgery on the NHS in Wales. The hospital in Egypt has reportedly given her just days to live.
Her daughter added: “We are asking for help to cover the funds of an air ambulance as it is very expensive and she needs to get back to the UK for this surgery. I know times are tough, but if you could donate, every penny raised will give our mum a chance of survival. We only have a short window to get her to the UK. Please, anything would help us; she has three kids at home to live for.”
