A Carroll County woman’s family is working to bring her back to Maryland after she suffered a medical emergency while traveling and was hospitalized in Panama.
Kalin Rytina, 28, was on her way back home when she suffered a stroke, according to her family.
She has been in the hospital for more than a week and the medical costs are piling up. The family’s community has since rallied to help her out.
Madi Rytina said her sister Kalin enjoys adventures, and recently had gone to Guatemala with her boyfriend.
Mike Rytina, Kalin’s father, said his daughter began to feel nauseated and disoriented toward the end of the trip, but the symptoms weren’t enough to keep them from starting the return trip to Maryland on June 7.
When they got to Panama, however, Kalin Rytina’s health had worsened and she had to be taken to the hospital.
“They told her she had two blood clots in her arteries, in the back of her neck, going to the brain. That ended up causing a stroke,” Mike Rytina said.
Madi Rytina and her father flew to Panama while Kalin Rytina was in the intensive care unit, where she stayed for five days before being moved to a private room.
As Kalin Rytina starts to improve, her sister said she is emotional and “having a harder time as she becomes more aware of everything going on.” But as she progresses, the chances of her getting on a medevac transfer home are improving, said Madi Rytina. She could be back in the United States as early as Sunday
Mike Rytina has reached out to the U.S. embassy in Panama for help, and the family finally heard back on Tuesday. But the embassy said it could only help organize a commercial flight back for Kalin Rytina, which they expected to be reimbursed for later.
Madi Rytina said the situation is a role reversal for her sister.
“My mom is disabled … she’s legally blind and chronically ill. So [Kalin] cares for her at home,” she said. “She’s a caregiver, so it’s kind of hard because now we’ve got to be the caretaker for her.”
Kalin Rytina’s family said the hospital hasn’t accepted her health insurance, so all of the medical costs — now more than $45,000 — are out-of-pocket.
Many have given money to help the family offset the medical expenses.
An online fundraiser had raised over $33,000 as of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Many of the family’s neighbors in Eldersburg have also reached out to them.
The support has made the situation more emotional for the family.
“It’s just crazy. I’m so grateful for everyone and praying we can get her home soon,” Madi Rytina said.
Banner reporter Sara Ruberg contributed to this article.
WJZ is a media partner of The Banner.
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