Almost €70k raised in 48 hours for family of mum who died after C-section in CUH

An online fundraiser has raised nearly €70,000 in just two days to support the family of a Kerry-based woman who tragically passed away in Cork University Hospital on Friday, who now want to bring her home to India for burial.

Stephy Scaria, who was living in Abbeyfeale, County Kerry, sadly lost her life on Friday, June 21 after undergoing a caesarean in Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH).

Her husband Baiju, devestated by the loss of his wife, was overwhelmed by the cost of covering Stephy’s funeral expenses and repatriating her body back to India.

Baiju started a GoFundMe to raise much-needed funds during this incredibly difficult time, and he received massive support from people all over Ireland. The response from people in Kerry has been huge, as has the support of the large Indian and wider South Asian community in Munster. As of 4pm today – over 2,000 people had donated in less than 48 hours.

Many people from India and other South Asian countries work in the health service in Ireland and they have rallied to help the family, via the GoFundMe appeal which you can support here.

Baiju posted on the fundraiser: “My name is Baiju, and I live in Abbeyfeale, County Kerry. Tragically, my wife Stephy passed away on 21/06/2024 after a Caesarean in Cork University Hospital.

“We are absolutely devastated by Stephy’s passing and are struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of her funeral and the repatriation of her remains to India.”

The fundraiser hit its target of €50,000 in just 24 hours with nearly 2,000 people donating money. The figure has since climbed to nearly €77,000 as people continue to rally around the family.

Stephy’s family will now be able to bring her back to her native country of India to lay her to rest.

A spokesperson for CUMH confirmed to CorkBeo that there had been a tragic incident at the hospital at the start of the weekend.

“Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) is confirming that a maternal death has occurred in recent days. The Coroner has been notified and in line with the HSE policy on all maternal death an external review will be undertaken.

“CUMH is providing bereavement support to the family at this very sad time. Hospital management and staff at CUMH wish to express their condolences and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased during this very difficult period.”