As it’s been two weeks since our last post, you may be wondering if we are hopelessly lost somewhere, still trying to make our way to Puebla. In fact, we’ve been back in Playa now for about two weeks. Although we still plan to report on the rest of our journey home to Playa, we’ve been sidetracked by a very serious matter. Our good friend, DJ, who many of our friends and family have met while vacationing in Playa, was involved in a serious motor scooter accident two weeks ago.
His list of injuries was grim: blood clot in the brain, fractured skull, punctured & infected lung and 8 broken ribs. He was unconscious for the first two days, a very scary time. Because he had no identification or health insurance information on him when he was discovered, DJ was transported to Cancun’s General Hospital, over an hour away. Although there are closer hospitals, many here will not accept a patient without health insurance and/or a cash or credit card deposit.
Luckily, a friend recognized DJ in one of the gory accident pictures they post in the local newspaper, and positively identified him at the hospital. The General Hospital was not the kind of place we wanted for DJ, but due to the severity of his injuries, he could not be moved immediately. This was the sort of place, not uncommon in Mexico, where medications for patients had to be bought by the family members. Although DJ was kept on life support, he was not medicated for his blood clot until he was discovered 1 1/2 days after the accident.
Fortunately, DJ responded well to the medication, and regained consciousness. His blood clot was receding. After a few days, he was moved to a new hospital in Cancun — a big improvement, but still not the type of care we are accustomed to in the states. Despite that, DJ continued to make wonderful progress. The first time we saw DJ, he slept much of the time, could barely talk, moaned in pain when moving, and coughed horribly due to the lung infection. The last time Libby saw DJ (on Friday), he was talking, perusing magazines, walking all over the place (despite her objections but with her help) and taking a great interest in his personal appearance.
One of the first indications we had that DJ would be okay, was when he started asking for his cigarettes. And asking and asking … and begging and begging. He doesn’t understand why we won’t just let him go out to the store for some smokes. “I’ll be right back”, he assures us. He is under heavy medication, which prevents him from fully understanding his current situation, and which makes him say and do some funny things. Examining his hospital room one day, he commented, “I really don’t care for what they’ve done with this place.” And he takes full advantage of the situation by flirting with the many girls who come by to spend time with him, giving us hugs and kisses. It’s very sweet.
In fact, although DJ can be very stubborn at times, we’re amazed at how sweet and polite he has been throughout his ordeal. He is always thanking his friends and the hospital staff, and even apologizes when he’s been difficult. DJ has always been there for us, since our first night in Playa when he warned us away from slick-talking Victor (a time-share salesman as it turned out). He helped us learn the ropes, and introduced us to many of our Playa friends. We’re so happy to be able to return the favor now that he needs us.
And we’re not the only ones who feel this way. The incredible outpouring of support from the Playa community is a testament to DJ. His friends organized a constant vigil, making sure he was never alone at the hospital, and are holding countless fundraising events. Friends and fans from around the world have made monetary donations towards his care. DJ has no health insurance and his family is not in a position to pay for his medical needs. If you would like to help DJ, you may donate via Paypal here.
More information about DJ’s condition and fundraising events can be found here.
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