Right around the time COVID-19 reared its ugly head, my husband Kenji-a Japanese national- became lethargic, with lumps developing on the side of his neck and under his arms. Foolishly, we’d attributed the fatigue to depression over the recent death of a dear young friend and the lumps to an infection that manifested due to unfinished dental work. But then the fevers started. And the chills. By the time we figured out it was something much more serious-thanks to the generosity of the floating hospital-Japan, as well as other countries, were beginning to implement stringent travel restrictions; yet, being small business owners without the luxury of health insurance, sending him off was our only option. On February 26th, I handed him over to the flight attendant who wheeled him through security, wondering if he would even last the flight, much less be able to take enough Tylenol to get his fever down enough to pass through customs. Upon admission to the hospital in Tokyo, he was diagnosed with stage 4 Non Hodgkins Lymphoma as well as a rare disease known as Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. That was six months ago. We haven’t shared a kiss, embrace, or even a hand holding since.  

On August 26th, Kenji was officially declared cancer free. Not being able to have been by his side through his chemotherapy and stem cell treatments has taken a devastating emotional toll. He still has a long road of rehabilitation ahead of him, and while I was granted a visa to finally travel to Tokyo to be with him the financial toll that Covid19 has had on our business has made it unaffordable. I am humbly asking for the support of the community at large to help pay for airfare and expenses so that I can get to Tokyo and be with my husband; in return, my husband and I pledge to use our platform as small business owners to better our community (we have exciting plans ahead; stay tuned!)