Diana James is in a hospital in Portugal after suffering from a subdural hematoma while on vacation
A grandmother from Vancouver has suffered a serious medical crisis overseas, and her family is raising money in an effort to bring her home for her extended care.
Diana James, 71, suffered a subdural hematoma in May and is in a coma in a hospital in Portugal.
Her children, Megan Kunze and Matthew Oxley, have traveled to Portugal to be by her side and facilitate her care. They are seeking funding to bring their mom home via medical transport, and to raise awareness on how people can protect themselves while traveling abroad.
The cost to transfer a patient in Diana James’ condition via medical transport flight is more than $200,000. The family has opened a GoFundMe account: https://gofund.me/a700cd3c
Diana James worked several jobs while raising her children as a single mother. At 71, she was excited to go on her “once-in-a-lifetime” trip, as described by her children in a press release.
She left for Europe from Portland International Airport on Mother’s Day. After some stressful travel-related difficulties, she noted she had a headache as she arrived in Portugal. Soon after, she lost consciousness as the result of a subdural hematoma and was taken to a hospital in Braga, Portugal, for an emergency procedure. Doctors performed a craniotomy, removing part of the skull to relieve pressure.
Doctors and family members say Diana has already beat odds stacked against her during this ordeal.
Last week, her eyes started to open. She gripped her daughter’s hand. And she responds to the tickling of her feet.
“Most importantly, she is now breathing on her own without ventilation,” according to an update on the GoFundMe page.
Her doctor in Vancouver and doctors in Braga say she needs time, as traumatic brain injuries require an unpredictable amount of time to heal. The family hopes that healing time can be done back home.
The family has limited experience with international travel. The family was unaware that travel medical insurance was an option. Diana is covered for medical by Medicare, the family said, but not medical transport back to America.
The U.S. government has told the family about a “small possibility of a government loan” to assist in the transport.
Diana’s family wants to get Diana home and educate the public on the benefits of travel insurance. The family, the press release said, is following every avenue for assistance.
As the name of the GoFundMe account says: Please Help Us Bring Diana James Home.
Also read:
- Opinion: Majority party policies still making life more expensive for Washingtonians
Rep. John Ley outlines his opposition to new taxes, raises concerns about state spending, and details legislation he plans to pursue during the 2026 Washington legislative session. - Fluoride fights bubble up around Washington
City councils across Washington are debating whether to remove fluoride from drinking water as dental and health experts cite long-standing evidence of its safety and benefits. - Opinion: What happens when you build a state budget on the most volatile tax sources?
Ryan Frost argues that relying on volatile tax sources like income and capital gains taxes risks destabilizing Washington’s budget and undermining long-term fiscal planning. - Battle Ground City Council welcomes new and re-elected members
The Battle Ground City Council seated new and returning members and selected Eric Overholser as mayor and Aimee Vaile as deputy mayor during its first meeting of 2026. - Ty Stober announces candidacy for Clark County auditor
Vancouver City Council Member Ty Stober announced his candidacy for Clark County auditor following Greg Kimsey’s decision not to seek re-election. - Ridgefield American Legion Post 44 names its Legionnaire of the Year
Ridgefield American Legion Post 44 named Jade Bourke its 2025 Legionnaire of the Year, honoring his leadership, military service, and longstanding contributions to Ridgefield and nearby communities. - Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey announces he won’t seek re-election
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey announced he will not seek re-election after more than 25 years in office, citing confidence in his staff and a desire to continue public service in other ways.
