Local Community Advertising
(UPDATE: April 1, 2018)
A local woman has sadly passed away while travelling in Costa Rica.
Nancy and Bill Varner were travelling overseas after learning that Nancy’s health was deteriorating. Nancy was a four-time kidney transplant patient, but during her last operation two years ago she contracted a lung infection that has been tough for her to beat.
While in Costa Rica, Nancy fell ill and ended up in the hospital where she passed away this past week.
"My Angel has gone to heaven. Her days of suffering have come to an end. Our day of grieving has begun. We should not feel sad, but glad she can carry on in Heaven,” Bill wrote in an update on their crowdfunding page.
“It is amazing she passed minutes before the start of Semana Santa, which is the celebration of the crucifixion of Christ. A week-long celebration here in Costa Rica. God must have had a plan for her! Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes."
Nancy’s sister-in-law told NowMedia that Nancy passed away last Friday in San Juan. She says it has been a stressful time for her brother and the family is glad he is back in Canada with the family.
(Original Story: March 23, 2018)
A local woman’s family and friends are hoping that the community can lend a helping hand as she hopefully recovers from illness in Costa Rica.
While traveling overseas, Nancy Varner fell ill and her family and friends have started a crowdfunding campaign to help her and husband pay for international medical expenses.
Nancy is a four-time kidney transplant patient, but during her last operation two years ago she contracted a lung infection that has been tough for her to beat.
After her doctors told her she should do her travelling now, her and her husband Bill Varner went to Nicaragua and then to Costa Rica.
Unfortunately, Nancy had to be taken to hospital in Costa Rica after falling ill and is currently in intensive care. According to the page, her kidney has failed and she was placed in a medically induced coma. She has only regained partial consciousness and is on a feeding tube.
Lana Varner, Nancy's sister-in-law, told NowMedia that it has been an "emotional roller coaster" for the family.
"My sister-in-law Nancy is a very strong woman and I have always admired her strength that's what I love about her," Lana said. "This really would help my brother Bill and her out as staying in a hospital in a foreign country the costs are going to add up very quickly. We just want her to get better and come home so she can be with her family."
According to Debra Weissmann, a friend of the family who started the funding page, Nancy’s pre-existing medical conditions are most likely not covered by her travel insurance.
“Bill is beside himself and not only worries for his wonderful wife but also about the financial implications of a long-term stay in an international hospital,” Weissmann writes on the page.
Weissmann says that Nancy has been an active member of her community, volunteering for the Kidney Foundation, the Rutland Senior Dry Grad Committee, and the Kelowna Minor Hockey Association.
Lana says that although she does not have the latest information on Nancy's well-being, she says that when she spoke to them last night she seemed to be doing a little bit better.
Local Community Advertising