A young Brazilian woman named Claudia de Albuquerque Celada working in Colorado through an exchange program fell ill and was diagnosed with botulism, leaving her paralyzed and fighting for her life in the hospital. She started experiencing symptoms such as paralysis, dizziness, double vision, and shortness of breath in mid-February, leading to her diagnosis. She has been on a breathing aid at Swedish Medical Center in Denver ever since being hospitalized on February 17. Due to the high costs of her stay in the hospital, the Denver hospital has agreed to pay for her flight home to Brazil via air ambulance.
Her sister, Luísa Albuquerque, expressed the belief that recovery close to family and friends is faster and more cost-effective compared to staying in the hospital in the United States. The family is facing a daily hospital cost of about $10,000, with no current insurance coverage and escalating bills. The expenses have been increasing, as her hospital stay exceeded the duration of her travel insurance policy. Consequently, her family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the hospital debt that continues to rise.
Albuquerque Celada had been working in Aspen on an exchange program since November before falling ill. Her symptoms initially included shortness of breath, blurred vision, and dizziness, which rapidly progressed leading to facial paralysis and muscle weakness. After being rushed to the hospital, she was ultimately diagnosed with botulism, which is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. The origin of the infection is believed to be foodborne, but the specific source has not been identified. Due to the severity of the illness and the associated hospital costs, the family is facing financial challenges in providing the necessary medical care for Albuquerque Celada.
Botulism typically manifests in the eyes, face, mouth, and throat before spreading throughout the body and affecting muscle function, including breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing or death if not promptly treated. Despite the seriousness of the illness, officials in Pitkin County indicated that the case is considered isolated, posing no risk to the general public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide information on botulism, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent further complications. The family’s focus is now on raising funds to cover the significant medical debt accumulated during Albuquerque Celada’s hospitalization.
Prior to the Denver hospital agreeing to pay for her transfer back to Brazil, the family had raised $200,000 to fund an air ambulance for Albuquerque Celada. With additional expenses incurred during her hospital stay, the family is now seeking to raise $500,000 to cover the associated hospital debt. A fundraiser organized by her family aims to gather contributions from supporters and well-wishers to help alleviate the financial burden faced by the family during this challenging time. Their goal is to ensure that Albuquerque Celada receives the necessary medical care and support to aid in her recovery back in Brazil surrounded by her loved ones.
