Help Me Stay by Kaoru’s Side as She Fights to Recover

Here is the story of my son Ryan and Kaoru.

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my story. My name is Ryan Bracamonte, and I’ve been living in Tokyo with my fiancée, Kaoru Kato, since early 2022.

Kaoru and I first met in San Diego in 2019 while she was studying English. We quickly fell in love and supported each other through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. When Kaoru returned to Japan after her studies, I followed as soon as Japan's borders reopened.

On April 3rd, 2024, I proposed to Kaoru at Tokyo Disneyland. We were overjoyed and set our wedding date for November 6th. Life felt perfect—until tragedy struck.

The Accident That Changed Everything

On July 10th, 2024, Kaoru suffered a devastating accident during a work event, falling from a golf cart and sustaining a traumatic brain injury that nearly took her life. She was airlifted to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma while doctors fought to save her.

The swelling in her brain continued to worsen, and a week later, Kaoru went into cardiac arrest. Miraculously, she was revived, and she began the long journey toward recovery.

My Struggle to Stay by Her Side

From July to September, Kaoru remained in a hospital far from our apartment in Chiba Prefecture. I spent everything I had visiting her daily, refusing to leave her side.

In September, Kaoru showed signs of improvement and was transferred to a hospital closer to her hometown in Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture. But this also meant my travel time increased drastically—I now commute three and a half hours each way by train to see her. I work four days a week and visit her three days a week, but the costs are quickly becoming unbearable.

Before her accident, Kaoru and I shared our expenses while living together. Now, I’m solely responsible for our apartment and bills. Next month, I’ll be moving into a smaller apartment to cut costs, but the high cost of moving in Japan will only add to my financial strain.

Why I Need Your Help

Despite all the hardships, Kaoru is showing incredible strength. Though still on a ventilator, she has started to move her hands and head. She can nod in response to questions and is even trying to mouth words. Her doctors say my presence is crucial to her recovery—I need to be there for her as much as possible.

But with my savings gone and bills piling up, the financial burden has become overwhelming. I’m struggling to afford the train fare to visit her, and every trip is becoming more difficult. That’s why I’m reaching out for help.

Your support will help cover my travel costs and ease the financial strain, allowing me to stay by Kaoru’s side as she fights to heal.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference.

God bless you.