Urgent Update - We Need Your Support Now More Than Ever

Tom's Family’s Heartache in Japan

While life for most of us has pretty much returned to normal, for our Tom, the reality remains painfully different. He is still hospitalised in Japan, unable to communicate well with family and friends, trapped in a hospital bed far from home. The days feel long and exhausting for him, and he gets tired quickly.

It is with sad news that, Tom did not make it back to Australia as we had planned and hoped. Despite all our efforts, he struggled to sit up in the wheelchair provided, and the chance to bring him home had slipped away. He was rushed back to the hospital in Japan before boarding the plane, and now the medical bills continue to escalate rapidly. It is like a nightmare as the situation has been incredibly challenging, not only for Tom but also for family and good friends, who have been tirelessly trying to communicate with the hospital, facing language barriers that make everything even more difficult.

Helping Tom recover has proven to be an extraordinary challenge. We are now faced with the urgent task of arranging a medical transfer and finding a suitable airline that can accommodate his needs. The costs are mounting - while some say 'insurance will cover it', we’ve learned firsthand that this is often not the case until you are in the situation yourself. The expenses for medical flights, hospital bills, and ongoing care are overwhelming, and the financial strain is mounting each day.

Tom remains in Japan, feeling scared and isolated. He is partially still paralysed on one side of his body and face, unable to eat solid food or speak clearly, though he is trying. Sitting up is a major milestone, and move forward feels like a small victory. He is anxious about the long journey home and the challenges that lie ahead for him.

The family is doing everything they can - trying to communicate across language barriers, coordinate medical care, and arrange the logistics of his return. Unfortunately, this process is complicated, costly, and time-sensitive. We are reaching out for support from our community once more to help us bring Tom home where he belongs, surrounded by loved ones.

Your support so far has meant the world to us, helping us cover initial expenses and getting closer to the goal. But we still need your help Every donation, no matter how small, makes a significant difference.

Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity give us hope that we can bring Tom home soon and help him begin the road to recovery.