FACING A MEDICAL CRISIS FAR FROM HOME

Experiencing the importance of having someone looking out for you when you are too ill to do it yourself

A few years later, while still living in Costa Rica, I suddenly became critically ill and ended up in the hospital during COVID. I did not speak Spanish well enough to navigate what was happening, no one was allowed to visit, and there were several moments when my condition became extremely serious.

A very dear friend of mine, who later became my husband, supported me from Europe throughout the entire experience. He stayed in contact with me, pushed to make sure I had access to a phone, communicated with the hospital, alerted the Dutch embassy that a Dutch citizen was seriously ill there, and kept asking questions when I was far too sick and overwhelmed to advocate for myself.

Most importantly, I knew there was someone outside that hospital whose priority was my well-being. I could trust that someone was paying attention, thinking clearly and staying beside me even from thousands of miles away.

When I was finally discharged, the same friend who had supported me through my earlier dental experience stepped in again. She helped me think through what I needed next, researched options, asked questions, communicated with people and authorities, and helped me work toward getting safely home.

I genuinely do not know how I would have managed that experience without them.

I was fortunate to have people in my life who naturally stepped into those roles. Many people go through moments like these without that kind of support.

That experience strengthened something I had already begun to understand: when we are sick, frightened or overwhelmed, having someone beside us who is thinking about us, helping us navigate what is happening and staying present can change the entire experience.

This became another important part of what would eventually become Life Doula.

Korinne May
Founder Experience