“Anne and I had been traveling to Melaque, Mexico for several years when in February of 2020 we both came down with Dengue fever,” says John Neville. “I was recovering nicely but Anne’s sickness was complicated by her underlying Addison’s disease. After five days, her oxygen levels became so critical that the doctor instructed that she be hospitalized in Manzanillo. The doctors at Hospital Echauri in Manzanillo assured us that they could treat her, and I was instructed to return home to Melaque. Anne’s condition worsened, and the attending physician suggested that Anne be returned home to Canada where they could better treat her Addison’s disease. I left the hospital in complete frustration trying to figure out how I was going to get Anne home.”
“As I was contemplating my situation, the word ‘SkyMed’ popped into my mind. I rushed home and I was soon on the phone with the reassuring voice of Jim Edwards at SkyMed. Jim said, “We got this.” What transpired was a series of phone calls and emails, one of which Edwards said, “I have some people who wants to say hi.” Edwards had my children on a conference call because he wanted the entire family to be on the same page as to what was going to transpire in the coming hours as SkyMed returned Anne home to our family. I was overwhelmed with emotion during that phone call. How thoughtful of Edwards to know that I needed my family’s love and support at this time.”
“After an ambulance ride to Manzanillo airport, Anne and I were loaded into a Learjet. Arriving in Abbotsford, another ambulance was waiting to take us home. Soon Anne was recovering, and I contemplated all that had transpired in bringing her home. The logistics in coordinating such a trip were perfect. Thank you, SkyMed, and Jim Edwards, I truly believe that you saved Anne’s life.”
How did you find out about SkyMed and why did you choose SkyMed? “We discovered SkyMed through our Melaque friends.”
What would you tell your friends about your experience with SkyMed? “Our experience was overwhelming, and we were looked after by people who are very good at the job they do.”
Do you have any tips to share on ‘how to’ survive a life challenge? “Stay calm, consider all the resources you have and ask for help.”
John & Anne Neville, SkyMed Champions
