An Australian university student who plunged six metres from a balcony while on a European trip, is now stranded overseas after sustaining life-threatening injuries from the fall.
Sydney man Jacob Konaraki was selected by his university to go on an overseas excursion to Greece for an archaeology dig.
After the experience concluded, he decided to explore the Greek islands.
However, Mr Konaraki’s holiday suddenly ended in tragedy last Wednesday, after he was found unresponsive following a six metre fall from a balcony in Mykonos – a popular tourist hotspot in the Aegean Sea.
Fortunately, some quick-thinking onlookers sought help, with emergency services flying him to Attikon General University Hospital in Athens where he underwent emergency surgery.
“While all this was happening, family and friends back in Australia had no idea that Jacob was fighting for his life in a foreign country alone and without support,” friend Davee Macatangay wrote on a GoFundMe page.
The “happy-go-lucky” mate, brother and son remains in hospital where he is receiving treatment following fractures to his femur, pelvis and left arm.
According to Mr Macatangay, Mr Konaraki’s mum and some of his friends have jetted out to Greece to be by his side as they wait for clearance to bring him home.
“We have been told he is a very lucky young man to still be here with us today,” Mr Konaraki’s sister Jade wrote in a Facebook post.
“He has multiple injuries and a slow recovery ahead of him. It could have been a lot worse and for that we are endlessly grateful.”
Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries, Mr Konaraki can only be medevaced to Australia, before continuing with his long road to recovery.
This costly flight will add to the student’s already expensive medical treatment and hospital stay bills, leaving the family thousands of dollars out of pocket.
It’s for this reason, Mr Macatangay has set up a GoFundMe page for the family.
“(The) options given were medical evacuation, with specialist nursing care, or to continue to stay in the hospital in Greece, possibly for months,” he wrote.
“Both avenues (are) extremely expensive and have lifelong effects on his future both physically and mentally. Please donate and share, to bring a much loved son, brother, friend and Australian home!”
Ms Konaraki hopes by bringing her brother home, he’ll be able to receive the crucial care he needs to help his recovery and rehabilitation.
“When given (the) all clear to fly – with the timeline of this still being unclear – he will need medical assistance by his side to make sure there are no complications,” she said.
“A friend of Jacob’s has started this GoFundMe to assist with the mounting medical costs incurred so far and to finance his return home.
“Any donation is sincerely appreciated and please send positive thoughts for Jacob for a speedy recovery. Please help bring my baby brother home.”
So far, 183 donors have raised just short of $29,000 – just over half of the family’s $50,000 goal, with the family grateful for every cent spared.
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“We thank you for so many generous donations made so far, we are overwhelmed with all the love and support … my family and I are so forever grateful for so many beautiful souls who are showing their support for my beautiful beloved brother,” Ms Konaraki said.
“We are all working tirelessly around the clock to get the clear answers and help we need to get Jacob Konaraki home! We thank you with all of our hearts for your continued support & generosity!”
News.com.au has contacted Ms Konaraki for comment.
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