A Massachusetts man has lost both of his legs after contracting a severe infection during a wedding in India, prompting his family to seek public assistance for his return home. Andrew Wasil, 39, from Braintree, fell gravely ill just a day after serving as the best man at his brother’s wedding near Mumbai earlier this year.
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According to a GoFundMe page created by his sister, Erica Vinton, Wasil experienced a rapid decline in health shortly after the wedding. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a dangerous strain of strep infection. Tragically, his condition escalated to septic shock, resulting in multiple organ complications.
Wasil’s mother, Suzanne, recounted that medical professionals had to amputate both of her son’s legs below the knees to save his life. “They just couldn’t recover from the lack of oxygen,” she explained to local news outlets. “The strep virus went into his lungs, and his blood tests also revealed the presence of the common cold and flu.”
For over six weeks, the father of one received extensive treatment in an intensive care unit in India. By April 10, Vinton provided an update stating that while Andrew was medically stable, he had not yet regained full consciousness, although there were signs of improvement.
Faced with the daunting prospect of finding a way to transport him back to the US, Andrew’s family turned to the public for help financing an air ambulance. The flight, which they estimated would cost nearly $248,000, was required for him to continue receiving the necessary care in Boston. This cost was not covered by insurance and needed to be settled upfront.
Remarkably, the GoFundMe campaign quickly gained traction, raising over $200,000 to assist with the air ambulance expenses. Suzanne noted that the outpouring of support from the community had a profound effect on their family. “We have no words except thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” she stated, emphasising Andrew’s qualities as a loving uncle and devoted family member.
To contribute further, family members, including Suzanne, also used their personal savings, with some of her retirement funds going towards the medical flight. The return flight for Andrew was booked for April 19, providing a glimmer of hope amid his challenging ordeal.
Additional contributions to the GoFundMe page are expected to assist with Andrew’s ongoing medical needs during his recovery process. In a heartfelt update, the family expressed their gratitude for the compassion and support they received from the public, affirming, “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all your compassionate love and support.”
As Andrew continues his journey of recovery, his family remains hopeful for improved health while appreciating the community’s significant role in their ongoing challenges. Andrew’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the strength found in communal support during dire circumstances.