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Mahoning County family works to bring ill father back home from Europe

Karlo Franjko is suffering from symptoms of the West Nile Virus and other complications overseas. His family is desperately trying to raise funds to bring him back home to Northeast Ohio.

Family members are trying everything to get a Mahoning County man back home after he fell ill on a trip visiting friends and family abroad.

Karlo Franjko emigrated from Croatia in the 1960s. When he and his family made a return trip to Europe this summer, the 74-year-old's started showing symptoms of West Nile Virus, likely contracted before he ever left.

"We were looking to have a nice, great, relaxing vacation over there with family and friends, and it turned into our worst nightmare," said Dan Franjko from Pittsburgh. "He’s always been a very active and go happy kind of guy and he’s not able to get out of his hospital bed at the nursing home."

Karlo spent seven weeks intensive care, suffering from Encephalitis and other complications, including MRSA. Since late October, he's been in a nursing facility. He's still unable to sit up or walk, and needs therapy to regain those skills. Concerned about the quality of his care, his family is trying desperately to get him home.

Credit: Submitted

In his current state, he'll require a special medical flight home that could cost up to $100,000, through an isolated medical evacuation. If he's cleared for the MRSA superbug, he could possibly fly home on a stretcher, during a commercial flight. The family's best estimates for a service like that are north of $40,000. Karlo's Anthem insurance will only cover half of the $50,000 medical bills he's already accumulated abroad.

With the help of their home church, St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church in New Middletown, the Franjko family is trying to raise the money to do it. They've organized a dinner on November 18, and are accepting donations.

"They are one of the, I call, pierogi factories in the area there. And Dad has been a volunteer for years now, for being the dough maker for the pierogis. It’s a very critical role," Dan says with a laugh. "[The church is] something that’s been a huge part of our family, and the church community has really stepped in a lot."

Credit: Submitted

“When I talked to mom today, she said she would love to be home by Christmas, and hopefully with all the efforts, work that we’re putting in, that the church is putting in…I think by that and prayer, we can hopefully get him home,” Dan said.

The family has several ties to Northeast Ohio as well. Zora, Karlo's wife, emigrated in 1968 to greater Cleveland. Dan graduated from John Carroll University and got his masters from Kent State.

St. Paul Croatian Church in Cleveland, where the family's relative Sister Matilda is well known, will take a collection for the Franjko's at this Sunday masses. Click here for more information.

The Franjko family has also set up a GoFundMe page. Click here to see how you can help.

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