Greg Mangan stuck in Philippines hospital, daughter pleas for help

A distraught Sunshine Coast woman is pleading for help to bring her father home after he had a series of health emergencies and had to be revived twice while stuck in the Philippines. DETAILS.

Greg Mangan. Picture: contributed.

A distraught Sunshine Coast woman is pleading for help after her father had a stroke, seizure, septic shock, and had to be revived twice – while stuck in a hospital in the Philippines.

Rosie Mangan, of Maroochydore, said she was terrified for her father after a horrific health scare.

Her father, Greg Mangan, 69, has been living in the Philippines for about 10 years.

Before moving overseas he worked in Queensland as a concreter.

On December 21, last year, Mr Mangan had pain in the right side of his body and went to a medical centre in the Philippines.

Within three days they discovered he had developed an infection in his heart, pericarditis and myocarditis.

Greg Mangan in hospital. Photo: contributed.

His blood pressure went through the roof and he had to be revived.

They were unable to help him and he was moved to another hospital.

“Things just went from bad to worse,” his daughter said.

“Over the next two weeks dad developed hospital acquired acute pneumonia, septic shock, had a seizure and a stroke.”

They’ve already spent more than $80k on his medical fees overseas.

“The Australian embassy can’t do anything for him medically, they do ring the hospital and get updates and relay them back to me,” Ms Mangan said.

“Their government won’t help as he isn’t a citizen over there, only has a visa.

“He is stuck. Stuck between staying in hospital and finding money to continue treatment or stuck not having the money to pay for medical extraction back to Australia … dad has started dialysis which is $350 AUD a day.

“He is unable to eat or drink.”

Greg Mangan. Photo: contributed.

His daughter said he’d always been healthy and happy.

“My dad has always looked after himself and lived a healthy lifestyle which has been very beneficial for these times as he is strong and a fighter,” she said.

“Too many times the phone has rang to say dad isn’t getting better and is getting worse and every time the phone rings my heart sinks.”

Out of money and with no hope for his recovery and treatment, Ms Mangan started a GoFundMe to help her dad.

“We’re asking for donations to keep dad in treatment or if we raise enough to bring him back home to Australia where he can get the treatment covered by Medicare,” she said.

“Six weeks ago dad was exercising everyday, eating healthy, getting excited about the NRL season starting again and in just over a month his life is balancing in the air.

Greg Mangan. Photo: contributed.

“I know times are tough for everyone and money is tight for a lot of people, but every little bit helps.

“I’m not ready to lose my dad and I don’t want to see him scared for his life, it’s excruciatingly hard.

“I’m just trying to do everything I can … I feel so helpless.

“My dad raised me, he was the best father anyone could ever ask for and would do anything for anyone in need, he is a kind, genuine, loving, giving Australian man.

“Medical bills are piling up, and it’s not like it is here in Australia, the health system is very different, while the care is amazing and thorough, and the doctors and nurses are amazing with him, it’s extremely expensive.

“I am just putting this out there hoping people could give whatever they can to help pay for my dads treatment so he can stay in hospital.

“My dad is the most caring, genuine person and has always been my hero.”

Originally published as Greg Mangan stuck in Philippines hospital, daughter pleas for help