A Massachusetts father's "adventure of a lifetime" sailing the South Pacific has taken a dire turn, leaving him critically ill in a Fiji hospital after what family members believe was a bug bite. Scott Winslow, who embarked on a three-month sailing voyage with his wife Claire in April, is now fighting for his life, battling septic shock and organ failure.
Weeks into their journey, Winslow noticed what appeared to be a bug bite, and his health rapidly deteriorated. By the time their vessel reached Fiji, he was too weak to walk and was rushed to a local hospital. His condition worsened over nearly two weeks at sea before he could receive medical attention. His daughter, Lisa Babbin, told WBZ-TV that by the time he saw a doctor, he was "so sick."
Winslow was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Lautoka Hospital on Vitu Levu, Fiji's main island. His wife was advised to "prepare for the worst" as the infection spread to his lungs and gallbladder, and his kidneys functioned at only a fraction of their normal capacity. The exact origin of the infection remains unclear, but the family suspects it may have started with the insect bite or another wound.
Due to the severity of his condition, the local hospital cannot provide the advanced care Winslow requires. His family has secured a bed for him at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts, but the primary obstacle is the cost of transporting him home. A medical flight from Fiji to Boston, a distance of over 8,000 miles, could cost an estimated $250,000.
In addition to seeking funds through a GoFundMe page, the Winslow family has applied for a U.S. government loan to cover the expenses of the medflight and accumulating foreign medical bills, as Scott was not covered by medical insurance. Relatives described Scott as a "hardworking, loyal, generous" man who has always been there to help others. While the family remains hopeful for his recovery, they are facing the immense financial burden of his overseas medical emergency.