Australian Teen's Dream Trip to Japan Becomes $500,000 Nightmare
A family faces an enormous bill to bring their autistic son home from Japan after he developed an acute fear of flying.
An Australian family's dream holiday in Japan has been overshadowed by a looming $500,000 bill to bring their 18-year-old son home, after he developed an intense fear of flying. Ryan James, who has autism, was visiting Tokyo with his parents and siblings to celebrate his birthday and fulfill his dream of visiting Tokyo Disneyland.
While Ryan had previously flown without issue, he unexpectedly experienced severe distress on a domestic flight in Japan, rendering him unable to board a commercial aircraft for the return journey to Australia. His parents, Mel and Brad James, were advised that Ryan would need to be sedated and transported on a specialized medical flight.
The astronomical cost of this specialized flight prompted a relative to launch a GoFundMe campaign. As of its first two days, the fundraiser had garnered over $80,000 from 780 donors.
"His distress is now so severe that he is unable to board a commercial aircraft to return home to Australia," organizer Janelle Goulding wrote on the fundraising page. "The family has been advised that Ryan will need to be sedated and transported home on a specialist medical flight. The quoted cost? An unimaginable $500,000 or more. This is a figure that no ordinary family could ever prepare for."
The family's travel insurance has not covered the unusual nature of this emergency, leaving them in a difficult situation. Mel and Brad remain in Tokyo with Ryan, while their other two children have returned to their home in New South Wales with their grandmother. The family has already incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses for consultations and daily living costs while in Japan.
Goulding expressed hope that the fundraiser would alleviate some of the financial strain on the family during this stressful time. "Brad and Mel aren't asking for anything extraordinary. They simply want their son home, safe and surrounded by the people who love him," she wrote.
The family had traveled to Japan earlier this month, with the trip being particularly meaningful for Ryan, whose fascination with Mickey Mouse made a visit to the Disney park a lifelong ambition. The GoFundMe aims to provide the family with the necessary funds to bring Ryan home safely.
The Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.