GoFundMe started for Melfort woman in coma in Chinese hospital

By: Nigel Maxwell

The brother of a woman fighting for her life in a hospital in China said he’s grateful to those who’ve shown his family support in their most difficult time.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family of Alicia Garlock. Alicia became very sick while teaching in Cheungdu. She is currently in a medically induced coma.

Garlock’s brother Travis just returned from China and said it was very difficult seeing his sister in this way.

“She’s marginally getting better, but the problem is the doctors don’t know what she’s fighting. No antibiotics are really helping, so it’s a week-by-week basis,” he said.

Doctors think Garlock is dealing with a new strain of type A influenza virus she might have caught while already weak with pneumonia. The family is unable to bring her home at this time due to her condition.

“I know my mother and my father would like to bring her back to Canada for some care if they could, but right now that’s unrealistic,” Travis said.

Alicia has been in the intensive care unit for nearly two weeks and a substantial sum of money is owed already. The GoFundMe page has set a goal of $100,000 and so far just over $6,600 has been raised.

“We’re definitely grateful to everyone who continues to support us. You realize how far-stretched Alicia’s life has reached and how many lives she has touched,” Travis said.

Alicia was born and raised in Melfort and has been very involved with the Melfort Youth Soccer Association. Her mother remains with her in China.