A 64-year-old Virginia woman named Denise Hammond found herself in a terrifying situation after sustaining fractures to her hip and elbow while on a Carnival Cruise ship. The incident occurred on October 4th, prompting the ship's staff to conduct X-rays and determine that Hammond would require surgical intervention beyond their capacity. Four days later, she was transported to Siloam Hospital in Manado, Indonesia, where her nightmare continued.

Initially, Hammond's family was disappointed that her long-awaited month-long Carnival cruise was cut short. The cruise began in Seattle and was scheduled to stop at various ports in Asia and the Pacific, ending in Australia. At the time of her fall, Hammond had already visited six ports in Japan and was on her way to Indonesia. Rachel Matthews, Hammond's daughter, expressed her family's shock and fear over the situation, stating that they never anticipated having trouble getting the necessary medical care for her mother.

Upon arriving at Siloam Hospital, it quickly became evident that the conditions were far from satisfactory. Matthews described the hospital as “atrocious” in terms of cleanliness, nothing like what one would expect in America or other parts of the world. Furthermore, the hospital staff admitted that they didn't have the equipment needed to treat Hammond's fractured bones. In an alarming turn of events, a doctor reportedly yanked on Hammond's arm and attempted to get her to walk on her injured leg. The medical care provided was inadequate, with no scans, blood tests, or anticoagulants being administered. This lack of proper medical attention left the family concerned that Hammond might die in the hospital.

Efforts to secure a medical evacuation for Hammond proved challenging. Despite having travel insurance, the family encountered dead ends in their attempts to get her the necessary treatment. They eventually sought assistance from the US embassy, which connected them with transport companies that could transfer Hammond to the nearest hospital equipped to handle her injuries. Unfortunately, the closest center was located nearly 4,000 miles away in Bangkok, Thailand. The cost of transportation alone was exorbitant, with the first transport company charging $60,000, and the hospital requiring a $40,000 down payment.

Desperate to get Hammond out of the inadequate hospital, the family turned to the insurance company for help. They enlisted the support of orthopedic surgeons who had previously treated Hammond in Virginia, urging the insurance company to expedite assistance. Additionally, a Virginia congressman sent a letter on Hammond's behalf, emphasizing the urgency of her situation. Finally, after national news outlets picked up on Hammond's story, her insurance company agreed to cover the transportation costs.

However, the family anticipates that Hammond's medical expenses will surpass her insurance cap, leaving them with additional financial burdens. They must also consider the costs associated with transporting her luggage back to the US, as well as data charges and other expenses incurred while being stranded in a foreign country.

On Friday, Hammond arrived at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital for her initial evaluation. Matthews provided an update on the family's GoFundMe page, stating that her mother's body had endured immense stress and life-threatening danger due to the prolonged delay in medical treatment. The extent of the damage caused by this negligence and its long-term effects on Hammond's quality of life remain uncertain. The family requested prayers for minimal damage.

Carnival Cruise, the company responsible for the ship on which the incident occurred, has been in regular contact with Hammond and her family. They expressed satisfaction that Hammond is nearing her return trip home. However, Matthews revealed that her mother is unsure if she will continue traveling as she did before. The ordeal has undoubtedly left a lasting impact.

Overall, Denise Hammond's fall on a cruise ship and subsequent nine-day ordeal in an unequipped Indonesian hospital have highlighted the importance of adequate medical facilities and insurance coverage while traveling. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks and challenges faced by travelers who find themselves in medical emergencies abroad.