Overview

• Maricela Hernandez Quezada suffered a stroke mid-flight on May 30, forcing the plane from Turkey to Mexico to divert to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
• A doctor traveling on the flight recognized her symptoms, administered oxygen and urged the crew to make the unscheduled landing.
• She was stabilized at Memorial Hermann Northeast before being flown to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands for neuro-interventional surgery the same day.
• Surgeons removed a dangerous brain clot and she has since regained the ability to walk and speak.
• Her medical team anticipates a full recovery within months and urges long-haul travelers to move every two to three hours to reduce clot risk.