Family struggles to bring 'hero' father home after falling sick on European cruise

DENVER - A Colorado family is desperately trying to get their father back to the U.S., who is currently hospitalized in Europe after falling ill during a trip. 

Guy Matlock, 64, was diagnosed with influenza A, pneumonia and sepsis and is slowly recovering at a hospital in Copenhangen, Denmark. 

His daughter, Moriah, said he is breathing with the help of a ventilator.

"He's still unable to move for himself," Moriah told FOX Television Stations. "He has shown little signs of movement." 

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Moriah said her parents went on a European cruise to celebrate their 37th anniversary along with another couple last month. About a week into the trip, her dad started getting sick but initially thought it was the common cold. 

Her dad's condition quickly worsened, and he went to the ship's infirmary. He was then transported to a hospital after the ship declared an emergency and pulled into the nearest port. 

Guy Matlock, 64, is currently hospitalized in Denmark after being diagnosed with influenza, pneumonia, and sepsis. (Credit: Moriah Matlock)

He later went into cardiac arrest. 

Having never traveled out of the country before, Moriah and other relatives obtained emergency passports to visit her father while he was hospitalized in Denmark. Her physical interaction and communication with him were limited due to his diagnosis.

Moriah is now back at home in Denver.

"It was really heartbreaking to have to talk to my dad in such a way…I'm glad that I could be there for him," she continued. "I'd never seen my dad in such a state where he was unable to even breathe on his own."

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"So it was very difficult seeing someone that is your hero being in such a weak state," she added. 

Moriah praised the hospital staff in Denmark, but the staff agreed her father would recover much faster and better if he returned to the U.S., where he would be home, surrounded by family, and not have difficulty comprehending a foreign language. 

However, insurance will only pay for part of his trip back home, leaving the family to pay $150,000 upfront to cover the costs of the medical transport from Europe to Colorado. 

"He's in need of a medevac to come back, and that will require a doctor on the plane that will help assist him," Moriah said, adding if her father progresses in Europe the cost of transport may be a little less. 

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the medical transport. They're also asking people to provide any medical resources or advice that could help the family work through the foreign bureaucracies.  

Moriah said her dad has a big, giving heart and hopes he will receive that same sentiment in return. 

"He just has a great smile, and he loves to make other people smile," she said.