Ayako Tanaka

OUR MOTHER, Ayako Tanaka, was hospitalised in Izumo, Shimane-ken, Japan on Tuesday the 18th of August after suffering with shortness of breath, chest pains and having been unable to physically move. We (her family) were unaware of her situation and were only informed on Friday the 21st of August. After having a multitude of tests, plus a biopsy, the doctors discovered that she has a very rare form of thymic cancer which has spread to various different organs. Very little is known regarding this specific type of cancer but it is extremely aggressive. Ayako is in a critical condition and the doctors have also stated that she doesn’t have a very long time to live so all they can do is manage her pain. **UPDATED the doctors have found several tumours which are pressing on her windpipe and heart.** Having been separated from us for over 6 months, as Ayako initially went to Japan to care for her mother who is sick, it is imperative that we can be by her side supporting her. Due to the current pandemic we need special permission from the Japanese government and visas to enter Japan. Even once we are allowed to fly to Japan we will be faced with having to quarantine for 14 days. With that being said, the hospital in which our mother is staying are not allowing any visitors. The only option is to move Ayako to a privately rented apartment along with all the medical equipment and medical staff she requires. **UPDATED We (Hiromi, Naoko &Yumiko) have been granted permission to enter Japan and are travelling to Japan. After much liaising with the hospital they have agreed to move our mother into a private room so that we can be by her side full time.** Unfortunately, due to our mother having to stay in Japan for such an extended period of time, she doesn't have travel or medical insurance. However, the ultimate goal is to hire a medical plane, which costs around £85,000, to take her back to the UK so she can spend her final days at home with family and friends. As you can imagine, this is a matter of great urgency and the amount of funds that are needed for hospital bills & transport is unknown at this time but anything will be greatly appreciated. **UPDATED We feel at this moment in time, bringing our mother back to the UK may no longer be possible due to her health significantly deteriorating. However, this can change at any time as we can not predict her condition but we will keep you informed of how she is getting on. We would like to thank everyone who has donated and supported us in any way. I’m sorry that we haven’t been able to thank everyone personally yet but we will do in due course. We are completely overwhelmed with the deepest gratitude. Love from the Scintu family ❤️**