And another GoFundMe campaign, this time for Eddie Smith, long-time microlight flying expat in Temple Town:

I have lived in se asia nearly 35 years, never had insurance and knew the game i was playing,
IF something happened, the last thing I ( or allowed in my name) would do is start a gofund me page
Assume Eddie ( an everyone) knew the risks, when he didn't have insurance.

Not to sound callous, but after 3 heart attacks, i would just let go and spend $100 on a gram ..That is my plan

Seems bizarre he had no insurance given the fact he was operating a commercial business, and a high injury risk one at that.

Sad to hear about Eddie's predicament but it doesn't make sense that he was unable to medically to travel prior to the tumor being removed, perhaps he had no health insurance in America and decided it was a routine operation here?

I met Eddie a few times in Siem Reap, he lived out at Aseana Guesthouse, was always affable and interesting guy and I love his "Shot in Cambodia" Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/439526806147391/

but $80k is a lot of money to drum up, I wish them well and Eddie a speedy recovery.

phuketrichard wrote: ↑Wed Aug 16, 2017 2:00 pm I have lived in se asia nearly 35 years, never had insurance and knew the game i was playing,
IF something happened, the last thing I ( or allowed in my name) would do is start a gofund me page
Assume Eddie ( an everyone) knew the risks, when he didn't have insurance.

Not to sound callous, but after 3 heart attacks, i would just let go and spend $100 on a gram ..That is my plan

Having read this article. I am in the same boat in regards to having a tumor in my gut. No insurance, no capital for operation etc. " And no way would I stoop that low as to be asking for help "

GoFundMe should be banned !!!

angkorjohn wrote: ↑Wed Aug 16, 2017 2:30 pm Sad to hear about Eddie's predicament but it doesn't make sense that he was unable to medically to travel prior to the tumor being removed, perhaps he had no health insurance in America and decided it was a routine operation here?

I'd pretend it was indigestion rather than risk the op in Cambodia, but yeah, clearly he had no insurance having not lived there for years. At least in the US you can spank your bill by declaring bankruptcy after they finish sewing you back up, this is why your medical costs are the highest in the world. What have you got to lose if you live in Cambodia?

I hope all the best for Eddie. But I am sorry to say, I am a believer of helping myself first! That is to say fund my own illness as well as my life. It would be a last resort to ask for help of monies from people. What of his micro-light, equipment, and his family.

Traveling via road from SR to BKK would save a lot of expense. Probably only about 6 hours longer.

I feel for the poor bugger but I fail to see how a golf ball tumour makes you unable to fly to the USA, unless he has no insurance and is not covered by Obamacare.

From what I gather from the posts I've seen on FB and the gofundme Eddie is in a sedate state so isn't responsible for the page. What I will say though is his piece of kit is worth not far of $80k I'm guessing the engines alone are apparently $30k https://www.asialifemagazine.com/cambod ... siem-reap/

and after 3 heart attacks I doubt, sadly he will be in the air soon. They should just sell that or raise some capital against the business.

Anyway Eddie's a good guy I hope he pulls through but I agree with the other posters that if you reach that stage without funds maybe it's better to cut the cord. Eddie loves Cambodia and his Microlight after whats happened I doubt there is the palliative care here to keep him well and in Cambodia which I would guess would be the same as a slow death to him from what I know of him if he had to leave all that.

I am Eddie's little sister & I feel the need to express some facts to the jerks that have expressed their comments about my brother!! First of all Eddie has no ideaor knowledge that a "gofundmepage" was created & he would be pissed about it. Second, if that was your brother/sister/mother/father would you be thinking "oh just let them die"?? Most normal human beings would not give up on someone they love if there was a chance! My brother went to see the doctor after several days of not going to the bathroom. They did Xray/MRI and said it showed an obstruction at the end of his large intestion. My brother wanted to come home to the US but was told he needed surgery right now & was to sick for approval to fly. Eddie paid the hospital for this surgery the day he was admitted. He was not a fan of the health care system there but at that point had no choice. Eddie was not aware how bad things really were or that it was cancer & had spread to his bladder. He was alert the day after surgery & all his vital signs & heart were good according to the medical records the hospital sent. Then he started to have pain in his arms & chest & became frustrated because no one wanted to listen to him. His body developed sepsis/infection which caused him to go into cardiac arrest. The hospital intibated him & filled him with xanax, morophine & other drugs to keep him sedated. My family was contacted & told Eddie needed surgery on his heart to have ballon put in & they wanted to transfer him to another facility that could perform the surgery. To clarify it wasnt 3 heart attacks! We were not told of the infection or cancer findings. We approved the transfer hoping he would have the surgery & be ok. It was then that the "royal" hospital told us they would not transfer him without us sending $22,000 for his air transport. The hospital told us all other costs for surgeries & stay would be $60k. My family is on the other side of the world! We felt helpless & had language barriers trying to communicate about his condition & a 12hr time difference trying to get in touch with someone at embassy to tell us what the procedures are. Out of desperation & wanting to Save Eddies life a very beloved friend created the gofundme page because my family did not have access to gather up $22k overnight. Im sure they just put the cost that we were told, but it was done with desperation to help. They would not process the transfer until they got paid & all the while Eddie is getting worse. If my brother were able to talk or give them money he would have! We can not just fly over there & have any say on what to do with his business or sell his microlights or property! Even if we could that takes time & time is critical in his case. After speaking with the embassy he was transferrred to another hospital which is how we learned about the infection & the cancer being stage 4. I have many friends who have survived stage 4 cancer and I believe in God & miracles & healing so forgive his family for not giving up on him & trying to do whatever we can to save his life! Those of you who wish to post cruel & self satisfying comments about my brother when he had nothing to do with this, I will pray for you & hope you never find yourself or loved ones in the situation that we are facing! I may never see my brother again or be able to say goodbye if he doesnt make it. So as long as I am breathing & able, I will do whatever it takes to help
Eddie because I love him & he is a fighter!!!