An Australian university student plunged six metres from a balcony while in Greece and has sustained life-threatening injuries. Jacob Konaraki from Sydney was selected by his university to go on an overseas excursion to Greece for an archaeology dig. After the dig, he decided to explore the Greek islands. However, Konaraki’s holiday ended in a horrific accident last Wednesday when he was found unresponsive following a six-metre fall from a balcony in Mykonos – a popular tourist hotspot in Mykonos.
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 the hospital where he is receiving treatment following fractures to his femur, pelvis, and left arm.
According to Macatangay, 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,” 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, Konaraki can only be medevacked 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 that 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!”
Konaraki hopes that 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 $32,000 – just over half of the family’s $50,000 goal, with the family grateful for every cent spared.
“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 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 and generosity!”
