Friends of freediving instructor Pim Vermeulen have begun a crowdfunding campaign to help pay for his heart surgery.
Vermeulen, who is also the owner of the Immersion Freediving Academy in Dahab, Egypt, collapsed late last month while boarding a plane in Germany. Doctors diagnosed that he needed heart valve replacement surgery.
While his insurance company covers the emergency costs, the surgery and rehab are not covered. Consequently, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise the 30,0000 Euros he needs to pay for the procedure.
“The funds we are collecting through this campaign will help Pim undergo this very much-needed surgery and allow him to recover without undergoing any further financial stress. Pim will be unable to work for some time after surgery as he recovers and will need assistance, as well as money to stay afloat until he can return to work.
“We are reaching out to everyone who knows Pim, the global freediving community and all students, athletes, clients and friends of Pim, to help out and donate whatever they can to ensure that Pim receives the medical care he needs. We need him back in good health so that he can get back to what he does best; teaching freediving.”
To donate to the campaign, click here.
