TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A fundraising campaign has been launched for a Singaporean man named Jake who fell into a coma on his first day visiting Taiwan. The funds are intended to cover his medical charges. As of 10:30 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 18), the campaign has amassed 89,000 Singapore dollars (about NT＄2.09 million).
Jake arrived in Taiwan for a visit in November 2023, only to lose consciousness and be rushed to the hospital on his first day. After a month-long hospital stay, he was airlifted back to Singapore.
Despite being awake now, his month-long coma has left him in a vegetative state. As of December 2023, his hospital expenses and air ambulance charges came up to 66,166 Singapore dollars (approximately NT＄1.55 million), draining nearly all of his family's savings.
Jake is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of the Singapore General Hospital. His nightly charges for a stay at the hospital amount to 426 Singapore dollars (roughly NT＄10,000).
On Dec. 30, Jake regained consciousness and was moved from the intensive care unit to a general ward. He is now able to breathe on his own. However, due to significant brain damage, he's unable to communicate with his family. Jake can sit up, stand with support, and is actively learning to walk.