Brazilian Woman in Vegetative State Returns Home

The family's journey began with a tragic event in September 2024. Fabíola Costa, who had no prior history of illness, suffered a sudden medical emergency at her home in Orlando, Florida. She was rushed to the hospital by her stepson and two other children, as her husband Ubiratan Rodrigues was working in another state at the time.

The situation escalated quickly. Fabíola experienced three cardiac arrests and a lung perforation during resuscitation efforts. These events led to a severe brain injury, placing her in a vegetative state. To this day, the family reports that there is no conclusive diagnosis regarding the cause of her condition.

Following the emergency, Fabíola remained hospitalized in the United States for seven months. She was discharged in April 2025, at which point Ubiratan assumed full responsibility for her care. He adapted a room in their Orlando home, managing her feeding, medication, and physical therapy with sporadic help from a nurse and friends.

By October 2025, the family had decided to return to Brazil. Initially, Ubiratan Rodrigues planned a 50-day journey spanning nearly 7,000 km and 11 countries in an adapted motorhome, estimated to cost R$200,000. However, a gesture of solidarity changed these plans.

A private plane was arranged to transport Fabíola Costa and her family back to Brazil. The flight took place on October 20, 2025, lasting approximately nine hours. Fabíola was accompanied by her mother during the trip. Upon arrival, she was admitted to the Hospital Ana Nery in Juiz de Fora, where she remains today.

On December 29, Ubiratan and the children departed Orlando. They arrived at the Belo Horizonte International Airport on the morning of December 30 and proceeded to Juiz de Fora by car. This reunion marked the beginning of their new life in Brazil.

The family is now focused on establishing a stable environment for Fabíola. They have purchased a house in the Granjas Bethel neighborhood of Juiz de Fora. The home, funded by resources raised through solidarity campaigns, is currently undergoing adaptations to ensure accessibility and comfort.

Ubiratan Rodrigues emphasized the care being put into these preparations. "Every detail is being thought of with great care so that she feels welcomed and safe," he stated. The family hopes Fabíola will soon be discharged from the hospital to continue her treatment in this prepared home environment.

Beyond the home preparations, the family is exploring specialized medical care. They hold hope for treatment at a private hospital in Rio de Janeiro that specializes in neurological cases similar to Fabíola's. Meanwhile, the couple's three children—ages 17, 14, and 5—are adapting to life in Brazil, navigating changes in school, language, and habits with family support.

The financial toll of Fabíola's care has been immense. According to Ubiratan, total expenses since the sudden illness have exceeded R$500,000. In the US, their health insurance did not cover regular physiotherapy sessions, diapers, dressings, and other basic materials. Medications, vitamins, and tube-feeding supplies were paid for by the family and donations.

Despite the hardships, the family remains hopeful. "Here she has family nearby, there is support. We feel like we are no longer alone," said Ubiratan regarding their return to Brazil. The reunion at the Hospital Ana Nery was deeply emotional for him. "It was very strong to enter that room again. Our hearts ache, but we are also filled with hope. Holding her hand again is indescribable," he shared.

As the new year begins, the family's wish is simple yet profound: to move forward together, strengthen their hope, and build a new life in Brazil with Fabíola surrounded by care, love, and support.