Flight disruptions have become very common in recent times. Disruption of services is usually due to weather, technical fault or any other condition which makes it difficult to obtain flight clearance. In such a situation, the biggest problem is for the passengers. Recently, one such traveler had to bear the brunt of a flight delay due to a winter storm in the US. A man suffering from congestive heart failure missed his heart transplant due to disruption in services. Patrick Holland, age 56, began the journey for his long-awaited transplant after confirmation from the hospital.
But could not reach the hospital on time due to disruption. Holland’s wife shared the story of the entire incident on a Facebook page called Patrick’s Transplant Journey. The man’s journey began in Fairbanks in Seattle, Alaska but ended in disappointment after his flight was cancelled.
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However, carefully handling the delicate situation, the airline involved put Patrick and his brother on an alternate flight. But unfortunately for them, that flight too was rerouted to Anchorage, Alaska. Once again their hopes were dashed. Patrick’s wife says in a Facebook post that with the transplant, Holland had expected to live another 30 years, but after the incident, was “deeply traumatized” and gave up all hope.
In a statement to an NBD affiliate, KING-TV Holland said, “I think I cried more that day than I ever have in my life and used every emotion I’ve ever had. ” Holland then began looking for a place to live in Seattle so she could be in time for the next transplant, not knowing if she would get a call. In the latest update, his wife posted on the social media platform saying, “The search is over – Patrick has found a place to stay!”
The unprecedented winter storm in America has claimed 61 lives so far. The worst affected area has been Buffalo, New York. In addition, the storm has so far canceled more than 20,000 flights, affecting transportation in many areas of the US.