Help Bring Aunty Karen Home for Critical Medical Care

On October 6th, our beloved Aunty Karen was admitted to Osaka National Hospital with severe heart failure—only 30% of her heart is functioning, and her lungs are filled with fluid. While she has stabilized and is making some progress, she has been on a ventilator since her admission and requires specialized care.

This sudden health crisis occurred during what was meant to be a special family trip to Japan. The family had planned this visit to explore Jodi’s, Aunty Karen’s daughter, birthplace in Sendai and arrived in Japan on October 3rd. Just a few days later, they found themselves in this heartbreaking situation.

The hospital cost is almost $9,000 a day ($171,000 for 19 days), and the financial burden has quickly become overwhelming. Jodi has been working with a social worker to arrange a medical flight home, but a private medical flight is far beyond their means, costing $260,000. The only other option is a commercial flight, equipped to accommodate Aunty Karen’s medical needs, but the earliest availability for this flight is at the end of October, and the cost ranges from $40,000 to $60,000.

Jodi has already depleted her kids’ college fund and the family has already maxed out credit cards to cover medical bills, but they’re still far from having enough to cover the cost of her transport and ongoing care.

Jodi’s husband Jason, and their two daughters had to return home due to work and school obligations. Jason has exhausted all of his paid leave and any additional time off will be unpaid, adding to the financial strain.

Two other family members will be staying in Japan to assist Jodi, from October 14-20, as

she also has to care for her elderly father, who is wheelchair-bound and unable to care for himself.

Despite reaching out to the U.S. embassy for help, they’ve been told there is no assistance they can offer.

We are humbly asking for your support to help cover Aunty Karen’s hospital expenses and bring her home safely. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help alleviate the financial burden on the family. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing our story.

Thank you for your generosity, love, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.