Rev. Fred Louis and the Louis family are making an urgent appeal to the community for prayers and financial support after a dream vacation turned into a medical nightmare, leaving his sister fighting for her life and no way to get back home.
Recently, LaTyara Louis Cooper was traveling on a cruise to the Dominican Republic when she suffered a sudden and critical medical emergency while aboard a cruise ship.
She left home completely healthy, but the initial crisis triggered a devastating domino effect of subsequent health complications.
She was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, where she remained in critical condition before being airlifted to a hospital in Florida.
While Ms. Cooper has successfully been transported back to the United States, she remains highly vulnerable, and her family faces a daunting financial mountain.
Ms. Cooper is the sister of local minister Frederick Louis, a community leader known for always being on the frontlines to help others in their times of need.
Now, the tables have turned. Minister Louis and his wife, Erica, have completely exhausted their own personal resources to secure his sister’s initial care and transport.
Refusing to give up, the couple has reached out to their extensive network of friends, faith leaders, and loved ones to help bring LaTyara all the way through this crisis.
According to hospital and transport officials, the cost of the emergency medical air evacuation alone is estimated at $25,000.
Because her health insurance often does not cover international medical transport or certain out-of-country emergencies, the financial burden has fallen entirely on Cooper’s loved ones.
In response, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the massive expenses.
Current Funds Raised: Approximately $7,200
Initial Estimated Cost: $25,000 just for the international airlift cost.
“We are asking our community, friends, churches, organizations, and anyone who feels led to help to please donate whatever you can,” the family shared in a statement. “Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to getting LaTyara home.”
In tandem with their fundraising efforts, the family reached out to the state and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s office, which helped navigate the international crisis. They are also working with the U.S. Embassy.
While federal and state assistance can help cut through bureaucratic red tape, they do not fund private medical bills or flights, making the community’s financial support absolutely vital.
The family is asking for continued prayers for LaTyara’s healing, as well as wisdom and favor as they navigate the complex medical and financial logistics of her recovery.
For those who wish to support Minister Louis and his family during this challenging time, donations can be made directly to their verified crowdfunding page:
GoFundMe Campaign: https://gofund.me/465505f37
